Mercedes 300sl gullwing

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a 1950s automotive icon, renowned for its gull-wing doors and fuel-injected engine.

About this subject

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W198) was produced from 1954 to 1957, marking the brand's first sports car after World War II. Its revolutionary design featured hinges on the roof, allowing doors to open upward like gull wings, a necessity due to the lightweight tubular space frame that prevented conventional doors. The 3.0-liter engine with direct fuel injection (a production car first) delivered 215 hp, enabling a top speed of 260 km/h, making it the fastest car of its era. Initially conceived as a race car (the 300SL coupe won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952), the road version was launched at the urging of US importer Max Hoffman. Only 1,400 units were built, making it exceptionally rare and coveted, with auction prices now exceeding $1 million. The 'SL' stands for 'Super Leicht' (super light), thanks to a tubular chassis weighing just 90 kg. The driver's seat was fixed, with adjustable pedals, a solution to accommodate drivers of different heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the doors of the Mercedes 300SL open upward?

Due to the tubular chassis with high side sills, conventional doors were impossible. The solution was to hinge them on the roof, opening upward like gull wings.

How many Mercedes 300SL Gullwings were built?

1,400 units were produced between 1954 and 1957, including coupe and roadster versions (from 1957).

What engine did the 300SL Gullwing have?

A 3.0-liter inline-six with direct fuel injection, producing 215 hp and enabling a top speed of 260 km/h.