The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has been an iconic fixture in Hollywood for six decades, appearing in more than 150 movies and TV programs. To commemorate the star-studded history of the SL-Class, Mercedes-Benz made a special donation to The Film Foundation during Academy Awards season.

 

The SL-Class has been one of the most desired cars since making its film debut in the late 1950s. Coming full circle, the SL-Class has recently been reinvented with a complete redesign for 2013.

 

Classic films that the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has appeared in include High Society (Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby) and The Rookie (Clint Eastwood). The SL-Class has also appeared alongside the likes of Ava Gardner and Fred Astaire, in addition to scenes in cult favorites such as Beverly Hills Cop, Cannon Ball Run and The Flamingo Kid. Overall, the SL-Class Roadster made 53 appearances in films and TV programs from 1958-1975.

 

During Oscar season, Mercedes-Benz marked the anniversary of the SL-Class with a donation to The Film Foundation, an organization committed to restoring and preserving films. As part of the anniversary celebration, Mercedes-Benz also produced an SL-Class vehicle retrospective and hosted an invitation-only unveiling of the all-new 2013 SL-Class at the annual Mercedes-Benz Oscar viewing party at the Soho House in West Hollywood.

 

“Classic films are similar to vintage cars in that they are a window into the past, whether communicating society’s aspirations or people’s style and taste during that era,” said Michael Kunz, Manager of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California in a press release. “Restoring Mercedes-Benz vehicles is part of our DNA and we take great personal pride and determination in helping keep thousands of Mercedes-Benz classic cars on the road today and true to their originality.” 

 

Both classic cars and classic films are parts of our collective past that must be preserved and shared. The iconic Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has played an important role in American cinema for 60 years. Classic cars and classic films make the perfect pairing, as Americans have shared an enduring love affair with both for generations.