The story of the production model 300 SL really picks up where our story about the W194 Le Mans racecar ends. After a highly successful 1952 racing season where the W194 “Gullwing” won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, the entire sports car program was closed, as Mercedes-Benz turned its attention to a return to Formula One racing. However, the Gullwing made a deep impression on enthusiasts from around the world. And perhaps none more so…

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster.
Photo: Casey Annis