<< Prev Page 2 of 2 Launched at the New York Motorshow in 1954, the 300 SL road car looked somewhat more civilised than its racing counterpart, but retained the trademark Gullwing doors. It was also the first road car to be equipped with Fuel Injection. The racing car for the road was generally well accepted although the very poor cockpit ventilation (there were no sliding windows in the doors) did not make it very suitable for long drives. Nevertheless 1400 examples rolled off the production between 1954 and 1957, which was quite exceptional for a sports-car.
Among the numerous options available was a competition inspired alloy body. This shaved a close to 100 kg off the weight of the 'standard' 300 SL. Among the identifying features of this DM 5,000 option were the Rudge knock-off wheels. Due to the considerable premium only 29 alloy 'Gullwings' were built. They were only rarely used in competition as the lightweight body was fragile and expensive to repair. Another option was a higher performance engine, which produced around 15 bhp extra. This was available on both the steel- and alloy-bodied examples.
This still was not the end of the line for Mercedes-Benz' most legendary road car as the engineers went ahead and turned the fixed head 300 SL into a roadster. By further strengthening the lower half of the chassis, the high sills could be abandoned. This increased the weight somewhat, but at least normal doors could be fitted. Chopping off the roof also solved all ventilation problems and instantly made the 300 SL in a practical two seater. The 300 SL Roadster remained in production until 1963 after which 1858 examples were produced.
Today the 300 SL Gullwing Coupe and 300 SL Roadster remain as the most legendary examples ever to bear the Mercedes-Benz star on the nose. Few cars can match the combination of racing pedigree, advanced engineering and good looks of the 300 SL. Values of all 300 SL version have steadily increased with one of the most desirable Alloy recently selling for over $4.5 million. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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300 SL 'Gullwing' Coupe
Launched at the New York Motorshow in 1954, the 300 SL road car looked somewhat more civilised than its racing counterpart, but retained the trademark Gullwing doors. It was also the first road car to be equipped with Fuel Injection. The racing car for the road was generally well accepted although the very poor cockpit ventilation (there were no sliding windows in the doors) did not make it very suitable for long drives. Nevertheless 1400 examples rolled off the production between 1954 and 1957, which was quite exceptional for a sports-car.