Mercedes-Benz · 1954–1955

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (chassis code W 198) is a two-seat sports car that was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1954 to 1957 as a gullwinged coupé and from 1957 to 1963 as a roadster. The road going 1954 fuel injected 300 SL (W198) traces its origins to the company's original 1952 300 SL carburetted racing car, the Mercedes-Benz W194. As one of the first automobiles to be equipped with a mechanical direct gasoline fuel-injection system, the power output of its three-liter overhead camshaft slanted straight-six engine surpassed that of its successful racing predecessor. Depending on configuration of axle ratio, camshaft, bumpers etc., the 300 SL was capable of reaching 260 km/h (162 mph), earning it a reputation as a sports car racing champion, and making it the fastest production car of its time. The car's iconic gullwing doors and innovative lightweight tubular-frame construction were groundbreaking. The designation "300 SL" is derived from the 1951 two-door luxury sports tourer Mercedes-Benz W188 "300 S", with the use of the S being not defined. The additional L, as 20 years earlier in the SSKL, is an abbreviation of the German term leicht, meaning "light", a reference to the car's racing-bred lightweight construction. Even in modern times it is disputed whether SL stood for Super Leicht or Sport Leicht. Following the 1952 successes, like winning the 24h of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, Max Hoffman, importer of Mercedes-Benz and other European brands to the United States at the time, recognized the potential demand for a high-performance sports car among American buyers. Due to his suggestion, an improved 300 SL was introduced to the American market in 1954/55. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL remains a highly sought-after classic car and is celebrated for its performance, design, and technological advancements.

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