MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing 1954-1963

I t’s hard to believe that such a unique car could be built for nearly a decade. But the Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing went through a number of improvements during its lifespan – all of them helping to create one of the most recognizable cars in the world.

The 300SL made its official debut in 1954 and wowed the public with its roof-hinged doors, which gave the car its “Gullwing” name. Unlike road cars then and even today, the body was built in steel with alloy panels and was supported by a complex space frame – the kind of thing you would expect to see in a race car.

Under the bonnet was a fuel-injected overhead-cam 3-liter engine that produced between 240 and 250 horsepower, depending on the year it was built. The Gullwing, however, wasn’t without problems.

The body tended to leak, the space frame was difficult to repair and the swing-axle rear suspension required careful attention. Eventually, a roadster version was introduced which addressed most of those problems. Regardless of your taste – hard top or soft top – the 300 SL developed a quick and loyal following, which still exists today. –LS

PHOTOS and VIDEOS at right. Also check out Phil Shire's Mercedes Collection . The Mercedes-Benz Museum. The Mercedes-Benz European Delivery Program .

SPECS:
Price: $140,000 to $525,000
Engine: I-6
Horsepower: 240-250
Torque: 203 at 4600 rpm
Top Speed: 130-150 mph