The Mercedes 300 SL

Against all odds, the American importer Max Hoffman succeeded in convincing the German manufacturer Mercedes to launch a civilian version of the W194, winner of the Carrera Panamericana, and he committed to ordering and selling the first thousand units himself. 

The legend of the 300 SL, born for racing, can finally continue on the road… 

Powered by a 3-litre 6-cylinder engine producing 225 ch and featuring a «Super Leicht» body ” bodywork—thanks to its tubular chassis—the 300 SL would sell for 80 % in the United States, just as Max Hoffman had predicted. 

A major commercial success, it allowed the star brand to energise its image on the market. Customers raved about its racing heritage and its sleek, elegant lines, but it was above all its gullwing doors that would get people talking. In 1956, the decision was made to stop production of the coupes to begin the production of a roadster. 

This new model, available with a hardtop from 1957, was designed to meet the growing demand of the Californian market. Just as sleek and elegant, 150 kg heavier but also 15 hp more powerful, the roadster would be produced for seven years (compared to four years of production for the coupé). In total, 1,858 roadsters would leave the Sindelfingen factory (compared to 1,400 coupés, of which 29 were aluminium).  

Our example for sale, in a very well-respected original condition, is in the purest timeless livery of Silber Grau code db 180 with a Rot interior.

The 300 SL represents the absolute icon of the brand and one of the most sought-after cars on the planet.

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