A true classic car that had star quality from day one. There has never been a time when a Mercedes-Benz Gullwing failed to turn its head and was admired as probably the "best classic car of all time"!
Without a doubt, these "Gullwing Doors" are totally responsible for the total admiration of the cars. When the world first saw Hermann Lang get out of the car for the first time after winning Le Mans in 1952, they could not have created a greater sensation than anything else in the history of motorsport. In fact, these doors were just an expedient, because the 300SL's real space chassis and high sills needed to fold the doors in the ceiling. That was the turmoil they caused, however, that the organizers of Mille Miglia (where 300SLs were second and fourth) tried to ban them!
The nickname "SL" (translated into English as Sport Light) reflected the pioneering use of a welded structure, made of tubular steel and ultra light, which weighed just 182 pounds. The car also featured a fully independent suspension, in addition to its 3.0-liter OHC engine with six-liter direct fuel injection with dry sump lubrication. The engine was tilted to the side to reduce the height of the front end.
Power was rated at 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm (DIN) and delivered via a four-speed manual gearbox. A top speed of 161 km / h and an acceleration from 0 to 60 of approximately eight seconds, depending on the rear ratio selected from five options, made the 300 SL the fastest production car of its time.
The 300 SL in its day was also driven by some of the world's top drivers, and undoubtedly the number one driver associated with the car was, of course, Sir Stirling Moss, who holds the record "forever" of his famous Mille Miglia ended in 1955. All of this contributed to the romance of a car that seemed destined to become a legend at the time when production began "Gullwing". The car has all the right ingredients to make these models the most amazing classic cars of all time!
MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was the epitome of this racing heritage. SL stood for "Sport Leicht" or Sport Light and the Gullwing was successfully produced from 1954 to 1957. With a top speed of over 155 km / h, along with its impressive appearance, the 300 SL Gullwing won over the public, the automobile press and the automotive community. .
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was launched at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show and Mercedes told the press. “The 300 SL Roadster is our answer to the demand in many countries for an open sports car, particularly fast, comfortable and fast. This car offers a wide range of technical achievements for greater driving safety and comfort, as well as a high standard of daily practical value for real-style rides. "
Mercedes may well have been accused of being a little conservative in evaluating its new car. The Roadster would match the Gullwing's 155 mph, making it one of the fastest road cars in the world. In addition, a redesigned rear suspension layout has made driving the car inherently superior to its predecessor.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster remains today an incredibly beautiful supercar. With superlative handling and a dazzling appearance, this car appeals to any collection and still remains a practical, sports and road car.
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