Schuco 1:18 1963 Mercedes Benz 280 SL Pagoda Spider, Burgundy

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand tourer sports car manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Super-Leicht, (English: Super Light). The original idea was suggested by American importer Max Hoffman, who perceived a market for a toned-down Gran Prix car tailored to affluent performance enthusiasts in the booming post-war American market, which remains the primary market for the vehicles.

The SL designation was first applied to the 300 SL, often referred to as the "Gullwing" due to its gullwing or upward-opening doors.

The term SL refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning six design generations.

The SL-Class 230 SL, a new design with a 2.3-litre mechanically fuel injected six cylinder engine. It featured a low waistline and big curved greenhouse windows, and a Coupe Roadster with detachable hardtop, whose distinctive concave roofline earned the nickname "pagoda top." The design was by Paul Bracq. Around 1967, the engine received a displacement increase and the model became known as the 250 SL. Within a year the engine displacement was increased for the final time and the model designation became 280 SL. Beginning with later versions of the 250 SL changes were made to dashboard padding, switches and knobs, door pockets (US models only) and steering wheel. In addition, on the 230 SL formerly separate centre hubcaps and wheel trim rings became full wheel covers.