On these roads, the SL makes you feel like a rock star. I was the absolute centre of attention, so I mentally cursed myself for not shaving in the morning. Attention also means of the wrong kind, like from cops seeking to make a kill – not once, but twice. But everything was above board, so I was genuinely sorry for not being able to make a contribution to the Mumbai Traffic Police Chai-Pani & Sundry Expenses Fund. Though frankly I thought they would whip out a decibel meter and seize the vehicle for the terrific roar it makes. The sound that emerges from the tail-pipes is worth every rupee that you spend on it and when you blip the throttle...
The spiritual successor and the original may be worlds apart, but after driving both, what’s common between the two is the way they turn heads. The SL 63 AMG’s party trick for passers-by, other than that throbbing exhaust note, is that cleverly engineered roof that never fails to drop jaws. What would they do if they saw a Gullwing? And as far as looks as concerned, there is no question that the older SL is pure, while the facelifted new one is just so-so.
Still, on that wonderful April morning, we just managed to wipe off 50 years. A legend in the making met a legend. Two Mercs did not come together, but two very special Mercs that worshipped the God of Speed. History was made, maybe sometime in the future what happened that day may turn into legend.
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