1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (chassis code W 198) is a two-seat sports car which was produced by Mercedes-Benz as a gullwinged coupe (1954–1957) and roadster (1957–1963). It was based on the company’s 1952 racer, the W194, with mechanical direct fuel injection which boosted power almost 50 percent in its three-liter overhead camshaft straight-six engine. Capable of reaching a top speed of up to 263 km/h (163 mph), it was a sports car racing champion and the fastest production car of its time.
After exhaustive road testing of a standard 300SL, after driving impressions in a race-tuned version and interviews with several owners and specialist technicians. This is the finest production sports car in the world. No exceptions, no qualifications. On all critical counts, it scores.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was and is a grand touring automobile of extraordinary capability and comfort, to say nothing of timeless style and presence—one of those unique machines that can leave the world behind out on the open road and yet instantly attract a crowd whenever it comes to rest.
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was among most technically advanced automobiles of its day. Working alongside Bosch, Uhlenhaut combined his aviation and diesel experience to develop a new direct mechanical fuel injection system for the SL’s 3.0 liter inline six. With revised cam shaft and dry-sump lubrication, the engine produced upwards of 240 horsepower. The same spaceframe chassis featured independent front and swing-axle rear suspension, with powerful finned drum brakes on all four corners. Even discounting the distinct doors, the 300SL was quite unlike anything enthusiasts had ever seen, and in the prosperous post-war period buyers responded. Ultimately, 1,400 coupes and 1,850 roadsters were built, with the majority of them delivered to America.
Incredibly, the car still retains most of its original parts, with the chassis, body, engine, rear axle, and front spindles all numbers-matching units. The 300 SL has been climbing steeply in value in recent years, and we may not be at the ceiling yet.
Mercedes-Benz has become known for its technological and safety innovations, many of them later featured in cars produced by other manufacturers. Melding exceptional quality with cutting-edge German engineering, many rank certain Mercedes-Benzes among the best cars in the world.
