1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Hammered During Hillclimb Is Sweet Madness

The answer comes from the video below, which shows a 1955 example of the iconic Benz going nuts during a Hillclimb back in 2012 (this is an annual race called Arosa Classic).

Before we move on to the details of this retro-flavored hooning story, we have to explain something for the part of the audience that is not so crazy about classics - you can look at this in a different perspective. Instead of the Gullwing, imagine a car made of dollar bills totalling $1.5 million or even more, as that’s the price for which one of these tubular chassis beauties trades hands these days.

Returning to the action, the footage shows the SL being manhandled by a racing driver from the S.H.R.T. (Swiss Historic Racing Team). So yes, you can expect brown-trouser countersteering moments. Oh, and in case you have traction-related questions, you should know the Gullwing rides on 225/50 R16 street-legal rubber here.

The 215 hp of the 3-liter straight six are being put to good use, with the guy keeping the four-speed manual on a short leash in order to do his thing.

“Because her rear axle construction [well known as widow maker] and her recirculating ball steering [unprecise as hell], both taking all your attention and are a big challenge,” the driver said.

"But when you finally get her to do what you want her to do and where you want her to go, I promise, you exit the car with the biggest smile on your face,” the man was quick to add.

We'll reming you the Gullwing was envisioned as a street machine packing the spirit of the W194 racecar, so it’s only natural to see it in such a state.