Mercedes-Benz W198

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupé
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1952–1953 (racing car) 1954–1963 (production car) 3,258 built Coupé: 1,400 Roadster: 1,858
Assembly	Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, Germany
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car, GT (S)
Body style	2 door coupé, roadster
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W198
Doors	Gull-wing doors
Related	Mercedes-Benz W121 BII (190 SL)
Powertrain
Engine	2996 cc M198 SOHC I6 158–166 kW; 215–225 PS (212–222 hp)
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length	4,520 mm (178.0 in)
Width	1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height	1,300 mm (51.2 in)
Curb weight	1,093 kg (2,410 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W194 (racing car)
Successor	by name: Mercedes-Benz W113 (230SL) spiritual: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W198) was the first iteration of the SL-Class grand tourer and fastest production car of its day. Introduced in 1954 as a two-seat coupé with distinctive gull-wing doors, it was later offered as an open roadster.

Built by Daimler-Benz AG, the direct fuel injected production model was based on the company's highly successful yet somewhat less powerful carbureted overhead cam straight 6 1952 racer, the W194.

The idea of a toned-down Grand Prix car tailored to affluent performance enthusiasts in the booming post-war American market was suggested by Max Hoffman. Mercedes accepted the gamble and the new 300 SL – 300 for its 3.0 litre engine displacement and SL for Sport Leicht (Sport Light) – was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show rather than the Frankfurt or Geneva gatherings company models made their usual debuts.

Immediately successful and today iconic, the 300 SL stood alone with its distinctive doors, first-ever production fuel injection, and world's fastest top speed. The original coupé was available from March 1955 to 1957, the roadster from 1957 to 1963.

A smaller, slightly heavier, less luxurious and much cheaper 1.9 liter roadster using the Ponton class 4-cylinder engine was introduced in 1955 as the 190 SL. Both the 300 SL and the 190 SL were followed in the Mercedes line by the 230 SL. The more modern 426 kW; 579 PS (571 hp), nearly 320 km/h (200 mph), gull-winged Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is regarded as the 300 SL's spiritual successor.

New York Mercedes distributor Max Hoffman, Daimler-Benz's official importer in the U.S., suggested to Daimler-Benz AG management in Stuttgart that a street version of the W194 Gran Prix racer would be a commercial success, especially in America.