Gallery: One of History's Most Beautiful Cars May Also Be the Most Innovative
Daimler AG01A41492
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL's gullwing doors were a practical feature—they accounted for the car's lightweight tubular frame.
Daimler AG0262043
Max Hoffman, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz cars to the American market, knew a production version of the race car would be a hit here in the States. He badgered the brass until they caved.
Daimler AG031989M4749
The coupe debuted at the International Motor Sports Show in New York in February 1954, complete with the tubular space frame and gullwing doors.
Daimler AG042005DIG2287
For power, the Germans took the engine used in the 300-series sedans and limousines and stuffed it under the SL’s long hood.
Daimler AG052005DIG2284
Sixty years after its debut, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing remains one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Daimler AG0668548
From right to left, all the versions of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe: the 1952 300 SL (W 194) racing sports car, the racing car prototype (chassis number W 194 011) for the 1953 racing season, the production car (W 198 I) of 1954, and the 300 SLR racing car prototype “Uhlenhaut-Coupé” (W 196 S) of 1955.
