A 1953, SL 300 Gullwing Mercedes, on show at the London Classic Car Show,
Image details
Contributor:
John Gaffen / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
EE677KFile size:
55.5 MB (1.7 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5183 x 3744 px | 43.9 x 31.7 cm | 17.3 x 12.5 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
9 January 2015Location:
ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XLMore information:
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was the first iteration of the SL-Class grand tourer convertibles and fastest production car of its day. Internally numbered W198, it was introduced in 1954 as a two-seat sports car with distinctive gull-wing doors and later offered as an open roadster. Built by Daimler-Benz AG, the fuel-injected production model was based on the company's highly successful yet somewhat less powerful carbureted 1952 race car, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W194). The idea of a toned-down W194 tailored to affluent performance enthusiasts in the booming post-war American market was suggested by Max Hoffman. As such, it was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show rather than the Frankfurt or Geneva shows at which other Mercedes models made their debuts. The "300" in its name referred to its three litre engine displacement, and "SL" stood for "Sport Leicht" (Sport Light). The 300SL was best known for its distinctive gull wing doors, first-ever consumer fuel-injection, and world's fastest top speed. The gull wing version was available from March 1955 to 1957, the roadster from 1957 to 1963. A notably smaller, lighter, and less luxurious 1.9 liter roadster was introduced in 1955 as the 190SL. Both the 300SL and the 190SL were followed in the Mercedes line by the 230SL