Mercedes-Benz 300SL - W198 (1954 to 1963)

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL (chassis code W198) was a two-seat sports car produced by Mercedes-Benz as a Gullwing Coupe (1954-1957) or Roadster (1957-1963). It was based on the company's highly successful 1952 racer, the W194, with merchanical direct fuel-injection, a first on a production vehicle, boosting power almost 50% on its 3.0L overhead camshaft inline six engine. Capable of reaching a top speed of up to 163 mph, it was both a sports car racing champion and the fastest production car of its time. In addition to the standard variants, an ultra rare lightweight version of the Gullwing known as the 300SL Alloy Gullwing was also produced. The 300 SL was inspired by Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz's authorized United States importer at the time, who correctly perceived a large American market for such a car. The company introduced the 300SL in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York instead of in Europe in order to get it into U.S. buyers' hands sooner. Production of the 300 SL lasted until 1963, with a combined total of 3,258 examples built. Although the direct successor was the Mercedes-Benz W113 SL-Class, the spiritual successor is considered to be the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.