Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198)
The term „Mercedes Gullwing“ primarily refers to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198) produced from 1954 to 1957, renowned for its distinctive upward-opening doors. A modern spiritual successor, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, was also produced with gullwing doors from 2009 to 2014.
The Classic: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198)
The 300 SL Gullwing is a highly sought-after classic car celebrated for its racing pedigree and technological innovations, such as being the first production car with direct mechanical fuel injection.
- Design and Engineering: The gullwing doors were a direct result of the car’s innovative yet high-sided tubular spaceframe chassis, which provided high rigidity with low mass and did not allow for conventional doors.
- Performance: Powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, it produced around 215-240 horsepower, making it the fastest production car of its era with top speeds reaching up to 163 mph depending on the axle ratio.
- Production: Only 1,400 coupé units were built between 1954 and 1957, with a mere 29 of these featuring an expensive all-aluminum body.
- Collectibility: The car remains a prized collector’s item, with average sale prices for a standard model hovering around $1.7 million, while rare aluminum versions can fetch much higher prices at auction.
The Modern Homage: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes-Benz revisited the iconic door design in 2009 with the introduction of the SLS AMG, which served as a spiritual successor to the original 300 SL Gullwing.
- Design: It featured modern gullwing doors and was produced as both a coupé (gullwing) and roadster version.
- Production: The SLS AMG was produced through the end of 2014 before being replaced by the AMG GT, which features traditional doors.
