Mercedes-Benz Special Edition SL “Mille Miglia 417”: Exclusive SL passion.
Mercedes-Benz celebrates the 60th anniversary of a “Mille Miglia” motor racing success with a special model of the SL Roadster. Its name commemorates the unexpected victory of a 300 SL in the production sports cars class at the 1955 “Mille Miglia”, one of the world’s most challenging long-distance races.
Legendary vehicles and their stories dominate Mercedes-Benz SL model history. One of them is told by the SL that started the famous “Mille Miglia” in 1955 with race number 417 at 4:17 am. After 11 hours, 29 minutes and 21 seconds it had completed the race distance of 1597 kilometres on public roads from Brescia to Rome and back. Driven by the American private driver John Fitch with assistance from his co-driver Kurt Gessl, it crossed the finish line to great acclaim in fifth place of the overall standings and as the winner of the production sports cars, leaving numerous racing prototypes behind. Production 300 SL cars also took second and third place in this class.
After 60 years the new SL Special Edition “Mille Miglia 417” now celebrates this victory and the car with race number 417. For this reason Mercedes-Benz also integrated the legendary number “417” into the badge of this special model as a reminder.
The 6-cylinder engine in the SL 400 with 245 kW (333 hp) and the eight-cylinder in the SL 500 with 335 kW (455 hp) enable top sporting performance. As standard, ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist, an adaptive adjustable damping system, and in particular the optionally available unique Active Body Control ABC deliver sporty lateral dynamics while offering outstanding comfort at the same time.
The design of the Special Edition underscores its spirit with stylish red highlights. Red is the colour of the lip on the front spoiler, and a red trim strip on the rear spoiler contrasts with the matte carbon. Red brake callipers gleam through the spokes of the black AMG Performance wheels, which sport subtle red surrounds and have diameters of 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.
The Special Edition “Mille Miglia 417” comes as standard with a magnetite black metallic paint finish. The AMG Line seats as well as the black centre console with contrasting inlays and red edging are eye-catching features. The leather headrests sport an embossed carbon structure and an embroidered “SL Mille Miglia” label. Red edging also outlines the black door centre panels with red armrests. The easy-to-grip steering wheel is wrapped in red and black nappa leather with sporty embossed carbon structure.
The SL Special Edition “Mille Miglia 417” is available as an SL 400 and as an SL 500 model. The price premium for the classy and extensive optional extras that lend the SL Roadster a special flair is EUR 14,800 for the SL 400, and EUR 12,800 for the SL 500 (net).
