1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing chassis information. 1493

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Interior Photos

In 1926, Benz & Company and Daimler Motor Company signed an 'Agreement of Mutual Interest,' thus beginning an automobile empire. Prior to merging, both companies experienced success in the realm of European auto racing.

After World War II, the Daimler-Benz factory was in ruins, however, beneath the rubble, many of the factory machines were intact. By spring of 1946, Daimler-Benz resumed manufacture of automobiles and trucks. In the early 1950s, bringing Mercedes back to the exalted position it held in motor sports during the 1930s became a priority. The culmination of that effort is this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe.

The 300SL began its life as a sedan (the Mercedes 300), was morphed into a race car, and then converted back into a production car. This automotive alchemy was orchestrated by the company's development engineer, Rudi Uhlenhaut.

Uhlenhaut and his team designed an innovative frame consisting of a myriad of small tubes welded together in a very complex pattern. The design of the frame left no room for traditional doors. Race rules required that cars have operational doors, bud did not stipulate how they should open. The resulting 'gullwing' doors are the most distinctive feature of the 300SL Coupe. The aerodynamic body style was described by one critic as having 'the look of power but without brutality.' Indeed, there are no protrusions such as door handles, and the rear view mirrors on this car were post-factory add-ons.

A car described by one enthusiast as being 'as dangerous as romance' could not afford to be slowed down by anything as practical as a door handle. Adventurous drivers could close in on 150 MPH if conditions were optimal, thanks to fuel injection, which was introduced to production cars by the 1954 Mercedes 300SL.

Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ralph Lauren, and Sophia Loren are among the famous owners of the very desirable 300SL Gullwing Coupe.

Source - The Frick Car and Carriage

	1937 Cord 812
	1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
	1914 Stellite 8/10 HP

Event	Group
The Frick Car and Carriage Museum - Focused on Pittsburgh	1926-1980