Yahoo! Autos Motoring Icons…The Mercedes-Benz SL

Iconic status may be given out too freely these days but if ever there was a car deserving of such recognition, it's the Mercedes-Benz SL.

New versions of the SL don't come along very often. Since the model line's 1954 inception, there have been only five generations. It all started with the iconic Gullwing 300SL, which was conceived purely as a racing car, winning Le Mans in 1952, before its road-going variant was developed in '54. That car was then replaced by the 300SL roadster in 1958 with the cheaper 190SL was sold alongside these until they were replaced by the 230 in 1963.

Further generations arrived in '71, '89 and 2001 with of course the very newest model arriving in 2012. Road testing a Mercedes-Benz SL is always a special experience and an event to remember. This is because the car's legendary protracted life cycle makes it a rare opportunity, but it's also because the SL typically arrives decked out with some of the best in equipment, innovation and luxury that Mercedes-Benz has to offer. Think of it as Apple breaking the mould with the i-Mac and then redesigning it once a decade.

This in turn has an extraordinary effect on used values. The SL is one of very few cars that go from new to classic with a preciously small ordinary phase between the two. Miss the window and you'll forever be chasing strong to increasing prices.

Economically and ecologically, there's nothing more sound you can do with a car than keep it for as long as it lasts; use it, cherish it, fix it and love it, instead of consuming resources by chucking it away and replacing it. The SL's lengthy product cycle, its exquisite engineering and timeless desirability make doing just that far more easily so each generation has been built to last.

While it may not be overly endowed with body control, chassis composure and bristling feel, Mercedes' magnificent roadsters throughout the years remain utterly unique. They're about the most splendid, single-minded luxury convertibles in the world and though these days there are other opulent gin palaces with more speed (think Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Maserati GranCabrio and BMW 6 Series Convertible) the Mercedes-Benz SL remains the most recognisable symbol of success and one that lasts too.