When Mercedes-Benz launched the SLK in 1996, the car had no direct role model. You actually had to look back to the 190 SL to find a predecessor. But there were more parallels to that model than you might have guessed at first glance. The SLK made its mark and established an entire generation of folding-roof convertibles. This driving report focuses on the SLK 230 and tells the story of this innovative model, illustrated with current and historical photos as well as sales literature from the time.