Mercedes-Benz 300SL

 

The 300SL is one of the most iconic classic Mercedes-Benz models and often deemed my many automotive historians as the first supercar. It is based on the W198-series platform and offered in either coupe form with gullwing doors (1954-57) or roadster form with traditional doors (1957-63). Powering the legendary 300SL is a 3.0-liter inline-six with a standard output of 215 horsepower in the Gullwing and up to 240 horsepower in both the Gullwing with the high-compression motor and Roadster. Each variant of the 300SL was mated to a four-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. It can potentially hit a top speed of 162 mph, making the 300SL the fastest car in the world at the time it was new. Also featured on the 300SL were a variety of technological advancements for its era, such as mechanical fuel injection, a lightweight tubular spaceframe, dry-sump lubrication, and an independent suspension. Its interior is also greatly refined as well, and its large steering wheel can be tilted to allow for easier access in and out of the vehicle. Due to many of its revolutionary and timeless aspects, German publication Auto Motor und Sport named the Mercedes-Benz 300SL its Sports Car of the 20th Century. A total of 1,400 300SL Gullwings and 1,858 300SL Roadsters were produced, with examples remaining highly sought-after by collectors and routinely selling for over $1 million on the resale market today. 

As for the first example pictured at the top of this post, while it looks like the real deal, this particular example is a heavily-modified aftermarket build based on the SLK roadster created by the folks over at S-Klub LA. Not only is it made to look very similar to the original 300SL, this specific build adds a modern AMG V8 and other high-performance mechanicals, along with custom carbon-fiber and fiberglass widebody panels and a custom removable hardtop with partial gullwing doors. The SLK-based widebody 300SL from S-Klub LA rides on an upgraded modern suspension, performance-focused Brembo brakes, and HRE aftermarket wheels. Its interior has been reimagined as well, combining classic design elements with digital screens and modern electronics. I expect many Mercedes-Benz purists to not be fans of the S-Klub LA 300SL, but I view it as unbelievably cool and out-of-this-world. 

Each of the three 300SL examples pictured here were on display at last week's Legends of the Autobahn show as part of Monterey Car Week. It was definitely great to see one of each variant of the iconic 300SL in addition to an extraordinary custom build showcased at this year's Legends of the Autobahn, as they were a few of the most valuable, special, and impressive vehicles there. Overall, the 300SL is such a beautiful and amazing classic Mercedes-Benz. Its gorgeous styling alongside its revolutionary tech and world-beating performance for the 1950s are huge contributors in helping propel Mercedes-Benz to its status as a world-class automaker. Stay tuned for more content from this year's Legends of the Autobahn show coming up in the next several posts. 

Vehicle Specifications Sources: Classic.com, Saratoga Auto Museum, Hemmels, Supercars.net, S-Klub LA 

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