梅塞德斯奔驰SL的历史甚至比福特野马更悠久，最早可以追溯到1954年的传奇车型300SL（SL是“轻型跑车”的英文缩写）。据说乔布斯生前每六个月就会租一辆新的SL跑车，以避免在加州给车辆上牌的繁琐手续。虽然近年奔驰的销量连创纪录，但奢华的SL跑车仍是罕见的精品。去年SL的销量只有7007台。它的罕见主要因为价格——光是起价就高达107,625美元，高性能车型最高卖到214,500美元。

    Even older than the Mustang is the SL (for "sport lightweight") that Mercedes has been making since 1954, beginning with the legendary 300SL. Supposedly, Steve Jobs leased a new SL every six months; it enabled him under California law to avoid having to affix a license plate. At a time when Mercedes is setting sales records, the plush SL remains a genuine rarity. Just 7,007 were sold last year. Prices help limit exposure. They start at $107,625 and go all the way up to $214,500 for high-performance models.