The Mercedes-Benz SL is a grand tourer manufactured by Mercedes since 1954. The designation SL derives from the German Sport Leicht, or Sport Lightweight and was first applied to the 300SL, often referred to as the 'Gullwing' due to its gullwing or upward-opening doors.The term SL-Class refers to the marketing variations of the vehicle, including the numerous engine configurations spanning six design generations. From 1971 to 1989 the SL R107 models were: 350SL: 1971–1980, 3.5L V8 450SL: 1973–1980, 4.5L V8 280SL: 1974–1985, 2.8L I6 380SL: 1980–1986, 3.8L V8 500SL: 1980–1986, 5.0L V8 420SL: 1986–1989, 4.2L V8 500SL: 1986–1989, 5.0L V8 560SL: 1986–1989, 5.6L V8
