Celebrating three decades of the roadster that brought generations of owners together

Few cars have combined style, innovation and open-top motoring quite like the Mercedes-Benz SLK.

From the arrival of the original R170 to the final SLC, the SLK became much more than another Mercedes-Benz model. For thousands of owners it became a car to enjoy, personalise, travel in and, perhaps most importantly, make memories with.

As we celebrate 30 years of the SLK, we’re looking back at the different generations of this remarkable roadster and celebrating the cars and people that continue to make the SLK community so special.

Where It All Began

R170 — 1996–2004

The original SLK. A modern classic.

The R170 introduced the world to the SLK and established the formula that would define the model for years to come: a compact two-seat Mercedes-Benz roadster designed to be enjoyed throughout the year.

One of its defining features was its folding hardtop.

With the roof raised, the SLK offered the security and practicality of a coupé. When the weather allowed, the roof could be lowered to transform the car into an open-top roadster.

Its distinctive styling and character have helped the R170 develop an enthusiastic following, and today well-kept examples remain an important part of the SLK Owners Club community.

The SLK Evolves

R171 — 2004–2011

Refined, capable and hugely popular.

The arrival of the R171 brought a new look to the SLK while retaining the character that had made the original car so successful.

Its more aggressive styling gave the second-generation SLK a very different road presence, while improvements throughout the car created a more modern and refined driving experience.

The retractable hardtop remained central to the SLK experience, allowing owners to switch between coupé and roadster whenever the opportunity arose.

Today, the R171 remains a hugely popular generation within our community.

A New Generation

R172 — 2011–2016

Sharper, more powerful, more choice.

The third-generation R172 moved the SLK into a more modern era.

Its design became more sophisticated, while developments in comfort, technology and equipment made it an increasingly accomplished car for longer journeys as well as weekend drives.

Despite those changes, the fundamental idea behind the SLK remained familiar: two seats, a folding roof and the freedom to enjoy open-top motoring whenever the weather permitted.

The R172 would ultimately become the final car to carry the SLK name.

The Final Evolution

SLC — 2016–2020

A new name for the final chapter.

In 2016 the familiar SLK badge gave way to a new name: SLC.

Although the badge changed, the connection with the SLK remained unmistakable.

The SLC represented the final evolution of the compact Mercedes-Benz roadster before production eventually came to an end.

For enthusiasts, its significance has only grown since then. It represents the conclusion of a story that began with the original R170 two decades earlier.

More Than Just a Car

The SLK’s story isn’t only about model numbers, engines, specifications or production dates.

It’s about what people have done with them.

They’ve been daily drivers, weekend cars, touring companions, restoration projects and cherished possessions.

They’ve taken their owners across the country and further afield. They’ve appeared at Club events, scenic drives and local meets. They’ve introduced owners who may otherwise never have met and helped create friendships that extend far beyond the cars themselves.

That is particularly important to us at the SLK Owners Club.

Our Club began in August 2017 as a Facebook group intended to provide SLK owners with a welcoming and friendly alternative to more intimidating or elitist car forums. The founding principle was simple: owners should feel welcome, be able to ask questions without judgement and enjoy a shared enthusiasm for their cars. brief history

That philosophy remains at the heart of the Club today.