1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe

Success, in most cases, comes down to being in the right place at the right time. Part of the mystique of Meredes-Benz's 300SL comes down to that fact. It was the right car for the right time. The price almost didn't matter because of it. That's the way it is with most things—if people believe in it, the price, or, all that has to come together to make it happen, will not matter.

When those right moments happen, something, even just one thing, will remain in the minds and memories of those affected. In the case of the 300SL Coupe, it's the doors. True enthusiasts will be able to imagine the lines, the elegance, even the performance of the 300SL. In fact, if somebody describes the beautiful and shapely lines of the 300SL, the true enthusiast will be able to tell it is the 300SL being described. Or, all that has to be said is '300SL' and the elegant design of the Mercedes-Benz will come to mind. But so iconic is the 300SL that almost any everyday person walking down the street will be able to recollect the 300SL if all that is said is, 'It's the car with the gull-wing doors'. A truly remarkable and ground-breaking design is, by definition, one that can cause people to recognize it through description, images or imagination.

Max Hoffman was the Mercedes-Benz importer for the United States. He had taken a step of faith and determined to share his beliefs that a production car version of the 300SL sports-car would be immensely popular. After some initial objections, Hoffman was able to sell the proposition to Daimler-Benz's Board of Directors. He would sell the board on an order for 1,000 examples.

It was less than ten years after the Second World War and many Americans had become fascinated with the smaller European sports cars. They were lighter, got better performance and were much more nimble than many of the American cars of that time.

As the engineers got to work designing and refining the car, many new technological advancements would be employed to set the car apart, but also, to overcome simple practical issues. Unveiled in 1954, the 300SL was truly a technological marvel for its time.

Many car manufacturers of the day were using single, double even triple carburetors to help with fuel flow efficiency and performance. Utilizing success from its sports-car 300SL, Mercedes used a fuel-injection system on its production model. This increased the horsepower of the engine by almost double over a carburetor controlled system. With this system, the 300SL had become the fastest production car in the world at the time.

Some parts of the 300SL's bodywork consisted of steel. However, the majority of the car was made up of aluminum carefully molded and shaped to provide the 300SL its elegant styling. The car's low hoodline and tall rounded fenders sets off the classic contoured look of the SL. The gull-wing doors were incorporated to allow easy entry inside the car despite the tubular frame. Once its passengers climb over the shelf and sit down in the car, the feel of this small and light car, as well as its reputation for fantastic performance becomes readily apparent to the imagination. Sensory overload happens when the car is started. Its 215 bhp 3-liter in-line six-cylinder enabled this beautifully styled car to shed its gentle, elegant persona and let loose. The car could do just as well at the track as on the road. Its 215 bhp and four-speed, fully synchronized transmission help to propel the car from 0 to 60 in around 8 seconds!

Driving the 300SL was not as easy as some other cars of its time. The introduction of new technology meant the 300SL wasn't without its problems, especially because of the motor-driven fuel injection system. But, a classic is still just that. And, while not free of technical issues, the opportunity to drive or own a 300SL makes it still one of the more sought after 'sport-light' cars. In fact, it is one of the most desirable and longed after cars in history.

The 300SL offered at the 2011 RM Auction in Arizona was a specially ordered 300SL destined for New York City in August of 1955. The car underwent an exhaustive restoration, conducted to the highest standards. The interior has undergone a very detailed restoration of its own. Originally, the car's interior was finished in white with blue leather. Since the restoration, the interior was refinished to an all-new and beautiful red leather upholstering. Completed in a graphite grey finish, this 300SL boasts a 215 bhp, 3-liter fuel-injected inline six-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual transmission. It has four-wheel independent suspension. Its suspension comes from wishbones and coil springs and has a swing rear axle. Braking power for this 300SL comes from vacuum-assisted drum brakes at each wheel. Included on the wheels are a set of Rudge wheels. The car even came complete with a matching set of luggage.

Obviously, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL is an iconic car. It has remained on the minds and imaginations of many throughout its existence. Lost perhaps is how truly revolutionary the car was in its day. But, the lasting images in peoples' minds are a worthy testament to the value the car has had on the world since it came into being. The 300SL is so desirable precisely because it is so memorable. Thank you Mr. Hoffman.

Sources:
'Buy: Feature Lots (Lot 249: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe)', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r208). RM Auctions Arizona. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ11&CarID=r208. Retrieved 5 January 2011.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Mercedes-Benz 300SL', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 14 December 2010, 00:25 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercedes-Benz_300SL&oldid=402241885 accessed 5 January 2011

By Jeremy McMullen