Fast, exotic and exclusive, this first Mercedes SL created a template with which it would stick right up to the present day. For decades there was nothing that could match the Mercedes SL for its blend of style, performance and quality, and while some very capable rivals have emerged in more recent years and the SL has lost some of its shine. Mercedes will hope that it's all change now, as it has just unveiled an all-new version which makes some radical changes to the recipe: it sees the arrival of four seats, four wheel drive, and four wheel steering, among many other changes.

As we digest those changes, here's the fascinating story behind one of the world's most famous "yes, I've made it" cars: