The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, a trailblazing automobile of its era, seamlessly blended futuristic engineering, remarkable performance, and an unparalleled racing lineage. Its Works-prepared variants dominated premier sports car races worldwide from 1952 to 1956.
Leading up to the 1954 debut of the production W198 300 SL, the renowned German automaker refined its design with the W194, a competition-ready predecessor introduced in the 1952 racing season. Notable victories at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana underscored its prowess, thanks in part to legendary drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, and Hermann Lang.
Building on this racing triumph, the company aimed to create a road-friendly version of the competition model. Acknowledging the United States as a crucial market, the German marque unveiled the W198 at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York, marking the first time a Mercedes-Benz was showcased overseas before its domestic debut. More than 1,000 of the 1,400 super-leicht examples produced from 1954 to 1957 found their way to eager owners through the esteemed American Mercedes-Benz distributor Max Hoffman.
The car’s popularity soared, captivating business tycoons, gentleman racers, and Hollywood celebrities in North America. Its distinctive feature, the iconic roof-hinged doors, was a testament to its innovative body construction with a chassis structure and exhaust routed through the sills, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
