Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing W198
Year of Manufacture: 1957
Power Output: 215 hp
Engine Displacement: 2,996 cm3
Number of Cylinders/Valves: 6/2
Weight: 1,310 kg
Condition: Perfect
Catalogue Number: 3
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL of the W198 series is rightfully considered one of the most charismatic—indeed, iconic—models in the 130-year history of gasoline-powered automobile development. At the same time, it ranks among the most desirable and expensive historic vehicles ever made.
The prototype of the 300 SL, based on the coupé made famous by its success in the 1952 Panamericana race in Latin America, was created in the spring of the following year. However, its spiritual father was neither an engineer nor a manager at the German car manufacturer, but rather Mercedes-Benz’s U.S. dealer Edwin Hoffman. He saw great sales potential for the sports coupé (and later the roadster) in the North American market—and history proved him absolutely right.
The vehicle’s public debut took place in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York—before it was even shown in Europe. Production ran from 1954 to 1957.
The engine, gearbox, front and rear axles, and steering were derived from the touring model 300 and were not originally designed for a sports car. However, they underwent significant modifications. Particularly advanced was the mechanical direct fuel injection system, which increased power output to 215 hp and later to 240 hp. The vehicle could reach speeds of up to 260 km/h. It was equipped with a four-speed gearbox.
A masterpiece by engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the car featured a lightweight yet torsionally and flexurally rigid space frame made of welded steel tubing. The need for high structural rigidity required significantly raised door sills, leading to the development of the car’s distinctive “gullwing” doors, which were hinged at the roof centerline and opened upwards. The shape of the open doors resembled the wings of a seagull in flight. To reduce weight, aluminum was extensively used in the bodywork.
In 1957, an open-top roadster version was introduced, and it remained in production until 1963.
A total of 3,258 vehicles in both versions were produced, of which only about 2,600 survive to this day. This car is undoubtedly among the most sought-after historic vehicles ever.
The vehicle in the Samohýl family collection is a gold-painted coupé from 1957. It represents the final model from the last year of production. It is also notable for being one of only 209 cars equipped with a special crankcase made from an aluminum alloy.
In recent years, the legacy of this vehicle has been echoed by models such as the SLS AMG and the SLR McLaren. Together with the original, they form the so-called “Holy Trinity” of Mercedes-Benz vehicles featuring this type of door. All three can be seen in the Samohýl family’s historic car collection.
