Introduction and History of the Mercedes-Benz W198 Series (300 SL)

The Mercedes-Benz W198, better known as the 300 SL, is one of the most celebrated sports cars in automotive history. Produced between 1954 and 1963, the W198 combined revolutionary technology with elegant design and motorsport pedigree. It was available in two distinct forms:

• The 300 SL Coupé (1954–1957) — famous for its gullwing doors

• The 300 SL Roadster (1957–1963) — a refined open-top evolution of the Coupé

The 300 SL wasn’t just a fast car for its time — it was a symbol of German engineering excellence, postwar optimism, and performance innovation.

Motorsport Origins

The “SL” in 300 SL stands for “Super-Leicht” (Super-Light), and the car’s roots lie in racing:

• In 1952, Mercedes-Benz returned to international motorsport with the W194 300 SL race car, achieving major victories at:

  • 24 Hours of Le Mans (2nd place)

  • Carrera Panamericana (1st & 2nd)

  • Mille Miglia (2nd)

• Encouraged by this success, and prompted by U.S. importer Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz greenlit a road-going version: the W198 300 SL Coupé, launched in 1954.

W198 I – 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupé (1954–1957)

The Gullwing Coupé stunned audiences when it debuted at the 1954 New York Auto Show.

Key Features:

• Iconic gullwing doors — required due to the high, rigid tubular spaceframe chassis

• 3.0L inline-6 (M198) with mechanical direct fuel injection by Bosch — a world first for a production car

• Top speed up to 260 km/h (160 mph) — one of the fastest cars of its time

• Lightweight construction: aluminum bonnet, doors, and boot lid; ~80 full-aluminum bodies made

Technical Highlights:

• Power: 215–240 hp, depending on version

• 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): approx. 8.8 seconds

• Rear swing axle, drum brakes (early cars), optional Rudge knock-off wheels

Production:

• 1,400 units built (incl. 29 aluminum-bodied examples)

• Considered the first true supercar of the postwar era

W198 II – 300 SL Roadster (1957–1963)

The 300 SL Roadster replaced the Gullwing Coupé in 1957, offering improved usability and comfort.

Improvements Over Coupé:

• Conventional doors (due to a revised lower frame design)

• Fully independent rear suspension with single-joint swing axle for better handling

• Optional disc brakes from 1961 onwards

• Optional removable hardtop and improved interior appointments

Performance:

• Same M198 engine, later uprated to 240 hp

• Slightly heavier but still highly capable

• Top speed: ~250 km/h

Production:

• 1,858 units built between 1957 and 1963

Total Production Summary – W198 Series

Global Impact & Cultural Legacy

• The W198 was an international sensation, particularly in the United States, where over 80% of cars were sold.

• Driven by celebrities and racing legends alike — including Clark Gable, Juan Manuel Fangio, Sophia Loren, and Paul Newman.

• The 300 SL remains a centerpiece of prestigious car collections and auctions today, with prices often exceeding $1 million.

Engineering Firsts

• First fuel-injected production car

• First use of a spaceframe chassis in a road car

• One of the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles designed with aerodynamics in mind

• Early versions featured vented seats, special competition options, and even lightweight versions for racing clients