Mercedes Benz SL Legends

SOON TO BE CLASSIC

How do we define what’s a “classic” here at Analog:Shift?

Well, we’ve said it a plenty of times for watches — familiarity of design. The same goes for cars.

The Mercedes SL has a silhouette that has stood the test of time. In 2001, the German manufacture decided to run an ad campaign teasing the end of its R129 generation model, which had been in production since 1989. The R230 would replace the long-running, straight-lined bodywork, sharp roofline and square headlights of the outgoing model with a more curvaceous profile and rounded cabin with quad round headlights. While the appeal of this follow-up model is debatable, Mercedes-Benz definitely got one thing right: The outgoing and much-beloved R129 was an instant classic!

This particular ad, curated by our friends over at Ad Patina, features four previous SL models from Benz stacked on top of one another with each having its own copy reading, “Classic”. The final tribute of the outgoing Mercedes SL is the 2001 variation and is deemed by the brand as, “Soon to be classic.” 

This ad is custom framed in a 13 1/4” x 16 1/2” natural wood frame with an opaque black finish. It features a custom-measured, hand-cut 4-ply border in a shade of white, complimenting all the ad tones. Every material used is acid-free and the glass is anti-reflective and offers UV-protection to keep this precious ad preserved no matter where you decide to hang it. Speaking of which, hanging your newly purchased ad is a seamless task, as this particular frame comes with an additional hanging wire and felt pads for wall protection.  

This ad portrays a small historical snapshot of the iconic SL and is the perfect gift for any Mercedes enthusiast.

ABOUT OUT COLLABORATION WITH AD PATINA

We're thrilled to be collaborating once again with our longtime friend Nick at Ad Patina to bring you a selection of the most-popular and hard to find original vintage magazine advertisements curated specifically for Analog:Shift!

Scouring the world for forgotten marketing treasures, Ad Patina's raison de être very much mimics our own — to hunt down these wonderful bits of history, preserve and restore them as needed, and share them with an enthusiastic community.

These documents of horological and advertising history have entered the collecting conversation as the ultimate accompanying accessory to go along with hobbies and passions. They have found themselves framed in homes and offices around the world. 

Every one of these wonderful pieces is a genuine, vintage advertisement that has been professionally framed to ensure years of enjoyment to come - no reprints or reproductions here!

Much like a traditional piece of art — a painting or photograph — an original advertisement can be appreciated for its design as well as for its power to evoke nostalgia. Something vintage enthusiasts know all about!

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.