Three new special edition versions of the SL-Class, the sports roadster are to be launched by Mercedes-Benz.

Britain is one of the largest markets in the world for Mercedes sports cars, after Germany and the USA. So far, over 12,000 SLs have been sold in the UK since the car was launched in 1989.

Three special editions called the SL designo Alanite and Almandine and the SL Silver Arrow will be available. The SL designo Alanite and Almandine new features include new paintwork from the designo range and special alloy wheels, as well as a range of trim and specification enhancements.

The SL Silver Arrow is the ultimate version of this famous sports roadster. Only 100 will be produced in right hand drive for the UK market making this a true limited edition. This new addition to the SL family takes its name from the Mercedes grand prix cars of the 1930s.

Each car will be delivered with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity by Sir Stirling Moss, another famous Mercedes racing legend.

Based on the SL500, the Silver Arrow has silver paintwork, chrome-sheen aluminium exterior trim, special wing badges, AMG body styling, alloy wheels and polished steel exhaust tailpipe. The sporting heritage of the SL-Class is further underlined with silver-painted brake callipers and perforated brake discs.

The theme continues inside the car with illuminated stainless steel doorsills displaying the Silver Arrow name, together with two-tone silver and black leather for the seats, steering wheel and gearshift lever. A polished aluminium instrument cluster and centre console is also standard on the Silver Arrow limited edition. A host of technological features are present on the car including ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and memory seats.

The SL designo Alanite and Almandine models are exclusive to the UK and will be available in two six-cylinder engines, the 204 hp 2.8 litre and the 224hp 3.2 litre engine. Only 50 of each model are to be built for the UK market making these models highly exclusive.

Both models will have special paint finishes in either alanite green (dark green metallic) or almandine black (dark purple metallic) and feature designo leather and wood trim finishes. The Alanite model has Java leather and burr walnut trim and the Almandine is trimmed with two-tone Bordeaux and black leather, and curly maple wood trim in Anthracite.

Both SL designo Alanite and Almandine share many technical features with the SL Silver Arrow and have sporty 18-inch alloy wheels.

Prices for the SL Alanite start from £51,190 for the 2.8 litre engine and £53,940 for the 3.2 litre. The SL Almandine costs £51,590 for the 2.8 litre engine and £54,340 for the 3.2 litre. The SL Silver Arrow costs £68,940 and will be available from July this year. The SL Alanite and Alamandine will be available from May.

Customers can place orders with dealers now.