At the public introduction of 300 SL in 1952, Mercedes-Benz did not define the abbreviation SL. Whether the abbreviation SL was derived from a 1931 Mercedes-Benz SSKL (Super Sport Kurz Leicht-Super Sport Short Light) isn't known.
The diesel engine option was never offered in SL-Class during its eight-generation run. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War. With no intention of developing a street version. Initially, the first 300 SL was a Grand Prix racing car built in 1952 The designation SL derives from the German Sport-Leicht (English: Sport Light). The SL-Class is a grand tourer sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954.
