Thinking of cars that helped create the myth and the image of the three-pointed Star, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is probably the one in pole position.
This "work of art" has fascinated, fascinates and will continue to fascinate fans and not, from all over the world. The historical importance of this model is enormous, not only for its technical refinement, but above all because its lines show all the desire of Daimler-Benz to return to the splendor that the brand enjoyed before the Second World War.
Class, elegance and a strong vocation for sports competitions have always been the cornerstones of the Stuttgart cars.
Romantically, and looking for ideas in the origins of Mercedes, what had happened about half a century earlier ( https://www.fuoridistella.com/post/35-ps-the-first-star ) was re-proposed. In fact, if for the 1901 Daimler-Mercedes 35 PS ordered by Jellinek the focus was on a specially modified engine, the same can be said for the 300 SL.
Another important factor for this car is the fact that it is the progenitor of all the luxury sports cars that will follow in the production of the Star, where the initials SL, which has reached the present day, means Sport Leicht (Sport Light).
THE HISTORY
1949 is the key year for the Mercedes 300 SL, as Daimler-Benz is once again allowed to return to producing cars. Until then, the authorities that controlled and divided up the German territory had made an exception for the one and only old W136 range from the 1930s.
The primary objective of this new project was to make the Star shine again in races all over the world. Certainly not an easy undertaking, if we consider the then meager economic resources to be able to commit to a car from scratch. On March 27, 1950 the brilliant designer Rudolf Uhlenhaut was entrusted with the task of completing the difficult task. Rudolf understood that the right way was to exploit and modify the best series production could offer him. The racing 300 SL was powered by the 3-liter in-line 6-cylinder M194 engine, derived from the M186 that was fitted to the Typ 300 sedans. The gearbox and suspension were also taken from series production.
In a very short time, a car was born that would have won practically everything there was to win (apart from the 1952 Mille Miglia, won by a Ferrari 250S).
The tubular trellis frame proved to be a real jewel as it was a light solution with considerable rigidity, unknown at the time. However, and there is always a though, this type of structure was bulky along the sides, especially at the height of the doors. A problem of no small importance, which however I find a very particular solution with the famous gull wing opening. In fact, the doors were hinged on the roof creating spectacularity, amazement and charm that today as yesterday enchant all fans.
Another point that recalls the history of the 35 PS is the entry on the scene of another very particular character: Max Hoffmann, who at the time was an importer of European cars in the United States, proposes to Mercedes to make a version of the 300SL race.
The car, produced in series, had been appropriately modified, where necessary, for road homologation. In addition, a few more refinements were introduced: luxury is luxury and we know that Mercedes always answers "present" in this case!
Hoffmann bought 1000 examples of the finished road car, guaranteeing an extraordinary result for the time in terms of sales.
The 3-liter engine remained the basis, but performance was increased thanks to the mechanical injection system developed in collaboration with Bosch. It was the first road car to use this fuel system.
Karl Wilfert and Friedrich Geiger took care of the aesthetic part by designing a car body of almost exemplary perfection, so much so as to be a timeless masterpiece. Different stylistic solutions have been imitated and taken up by different car manufacturers in the years to come.
The 300 SL coupé was officially presented on February 6, 1954 at the New York Motor Show. The trellis frame inherited from its racing sister was a very avant-garde solution in those years.
High torsional stiffness and low weight were the strong point of this project.
The redesigned front, but typically Mercedes-Benz, however, already appeared more modern than the rest of the production. On the coupe, the bonnet was elongated, giving the nose a more decisive tone. The stylistic refinement was completed by the "whiskers" on the wheel arches and the air intakes on the front fenders. The rear part of the bodywork, albeit minimally, had been redesigned to give greater dynamism to the overall view of the car. One of the stylistic features later taken up on the 1997 SLK model are the two long longitudinal ribs on the bonnet.
The bodywork was made of sheet steel, except for the 29 examples with aluminum bodywork which were intended for competitions, and reserved only for private drivers. There is also news of an example with a fiberglass body.
The transmission, strictly rear-wheel drive, used a 4-speed synchronized gearbox with dry single-plate clutch and a ZF self-locking differential. The suspensions were independent wheels: the front was a wishbone and stabilizer bar, while the rear was oscillating axle shafts with a single joint and longitudinal arms. However, this solution did not turn out to be the right one and in 1957 it was changed. With the arrival of the 300 SL roadster, coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers were added to both axles.
The braking system consisted of four aluminum alloy finned drums, with hydraulic circuit and brake booster. The steering was ball-circulating.
The 215 HP delivered by the engine gave this jewel exceptional performance: the maximum speed was between 220 and 258 km / h, depending on the axle ratio, supplied in five different variants. In those years, similar performances were the prerogative only of racing cars and, albeit for a short time, this Stella boasted the record for the fastest production car in the world. The acceleration was also interesting because the car reached 100 km / h from a standstill in 10 seconds. Consumption was obviously a parameter not to be evaluated ... the 300 SL traveled an average of 100 km with 17 liters of fuel. It went from 19 liters of "tablet" gait, to 12 liters of a quieter gait!
Unfortunately, the 300 SL Gullwing did not have a very long life: in fact in 1957 it was taken out of production and the roadster version was introduced in its place.
In fact, Mercedes thought that the particular shape of the sides, and above all of the door sill, was a real obstacle to getting into the car. This required a particular physical predisposition because once inside, you had to literally let yourself fall on the seat! All this could have had repercussions on sales, also because for a woman with a skirt, it was very difficult to get on board!
On the other hand, the 300SL has a "racing" soul that transmitted to those who drove it (and to those who are lucky enough to drive it even now) all the adrenaline and charm that, precisely, a racing car must have. ... in this case comfort is a word that does not go well with the soul of this machine!
300 SL, simply ... TIMELESS BEAUTY!
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