The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing had an unusual conception by any standards. A German racing car adapted for road use at the behest of an American car importer.The original 300SL (also known as the W194) was a highly successful sports racing car. Its credentials were confirmed in 1952 when, among other wins, it claimed victories in the classic Le Mans 24 Hours race and the gruelling Carrera Panamericana. Max Hoffman, an importer of Mercedes-Benz to America, thought that a luxury sports car would perform well stateside and convinced the company to develop the 300SL into a road going machine. The car made its public debut on February 6th, 1955 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York.The chassis was the brainchild of Rudolf Uhlenhaut and of tubular design. Uhlenhaut was very much a hands-on engineer and would routinely test the company’s racing cars himself. Intended for racing the chassis was extremely stiff and higher than normal at the sides. Unable to fit standard doors the Mercedes-Benz engineers came up with the novel idea of hinging the doors to the roof of the car so that they opened upwards. It would prove to be the 300SL’s defining feature. The phrase « gullwing » was coined as, when the doors were opened and viewed from the front, it resembled a bird.The 300SL was only the second car ever to be equipped with direct fuel injection, and the first to sell in any number. Power came from a three litre straight six, tilted at 45 degrees to preserve the car’s low profile. Coupled to a four-speed gearbox the 300SL produced 240 hp at 6,100rpm. A top speed of 260 km/h (161 mph) made it the fastest production car at the time.The body was constructed primarily from steel, but with aluminium bonnet, boot and doors. A lightweight all aluminium version was available at extra cost. The car was available in its standard metallic silver finish or black, dark blue or red. Other optional extras included a custom made luggage set and leather interior. The standard interior was made of checked fabric, reminiscent of that used in the Mercedes racing cars of the era.The 300SL was responsible for launching Mercedes-Benz in America as a producer of exciting sports cars. Today, examples often change hands for $400,000. Its timeless looks influenced the styling of the recent Mercedes SLR McLaren supercar. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11