MERCEDES BENZ 300 SL Coupe (W198) 1954-1957 Photos, engines & full specs

The legendary SL was launched in 1954 and opened a new chapter in automotive history. It marked the beginning of “Gullwing” doors and remained a source of inspiration for the following generations. The SL initials come from the words “Sport Leicht” (Sport – Light).

The car's origins are based on the baed on the Mercedes-Benz W194 race-car that was raced by an American automobile importer, Max Hoffman. He convinced the board to produce a road-going version for the W194. The only problem with the coupe-version of the race-car was that the entire structure forced the manufacturer to build a higher door-sill. But they still needed to install a door for the driver. The solution was a Bugatti Type 64 model since 1939 with the doors hinged on top of the car. This is how the gullwing doors appeared.

The engine was a masterpiece of technology. After Maserati built the gasoline direct-injected units for its race-cars with the Lucas technology, Mercedes-Benz tried the same with Bosch. And they had success. The inline-6 engine, direct-injected, with a 3.0-liter displacement, offered 215 hp, a huge value for the era. The 1954 Corvette had a 157 hp from a 3.9-liter engine.

The SL Gullwing, as it is known, had a short lifespan, being produced only three years, but left a legacy behind that place him forever in the Automotive Hall of Fame pages.