Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (W198) - Price, Specs and 360° Interactive

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (W198) - 360° Interactive

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (W198) - Key Specifications

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Specifications

Specification	Details
Type	Two-Door Sports Coupe
Production Years	1954–1957
Engine	3.0L Inline-6 with Mechanical Fuel Injection
Power Output	215 hp / 158 kW @ 5,800 rpm
Torque	275 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Transmission	4-Speed Manual
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	8.8 seconds
Top Speed	260 km/h (162 mph)
Fuel Consumption (Combined)	Approx. 17 L/100 km
CO₂ Emissions	N/A (Pre-emission standards)
Length	4,520 mm
Width	1,790 mm
Height	1,320 mm
Wheelbase	2,400 mm
Kerb Weight	1,295 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	100 liters
Seating Capacity	2
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone with Coil Springs
Rear Suspension	Swing Axle with Coil Springs
Brakes	Drum Brakes Front and Rear
Wheels	15" Steel Wheels with Chrome Hubcaps
Tires	185/70 R15 (approximate modern equivalent)
Chassis	Steel Tubular Spaceframe
Interior Features	Leather Upholstery and Trim Classic Analog Gauges Wood-Rimmed Steering Wheel Minimalist Cockpit Design Optional Luggage Set
Exterior Features	Iconic Gullwing Doors Curved Front Grille with Large Mercedes Emblem Side-Mounted Exhaust Vents Streamlined Aerodynamic Bodywork
Driver Assistance & Safety	Manual Braking and Steering Basic Seatbelts (optional in later models) No Electronic Safety Systems Steel Frame Safety Design Performance Tuned Suspension for Stability

Some Interesting Facts

First Production Car with Fuel Injection
The 300SL was the first road car in the world to feature direct fuel injection, boosting power to 215 hp — nearly 25% more than the carbureted race version.
Gullwing Doors for a Unique Reason
Its iconic gullwing doors were not just for style — they were necessary due to the tall tubular space frame chassis, which didn’t allow for conventional door openings.
Born from a Racing Legacy
The 300SL was based on the W194 racing car that won major endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana in the early 1950s.
Staggering Performance for Its Time
With a top speed of up to 260 km/h (161 mph), it was the fastest production car in the world when it debuted in 1954 — true supercar territory for its era.
Limited Production Numbers
Only 1,400 Gullwing coupes were produced between 1954 and 1957, making it one of the rarest and most collectible Mercedes-Benz models ever built.
Aluminum Body Option
A lightweight aluminum-bodied version was offered for racing or extreme enthusiasts — but only 29 units were made, and they command sky-high prices at auctions today.
A Favorite Among Celebrities
The 300SL was a symbol of status and innovation, owned by stars like Clark Gable, Sophia Loren, and Paul Newman — adding to its mystique and desirability.
Interior Designed for Speed and Comfort
Inside, the 300SL offered a tilting steering wheel for easier entry, plush materials, and a driver-focused dash — blending performance with luxury.
Innovative Suspension and Engineering
It featured independent suspension and advanced aerodynamics for its time, delivering a much more refined ride than most sports cars of the 1950s.
Legacy That Defined Mercedes Performance
The 300SL Gullwing helped establish Mercedes-Benz as a leader in high-performance road cars, laying the foundation for modern AMG and SL models.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (W198) - Price

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" is the most iconic sports car of the 1950s, a racing legend turned road car with direct-injection fuel technology, spaceframe chassis, and those legendary upward-opening doors. With only 1,400 units built, it’s a seven-figure masterpiece, eclipsing even the Ferrari 250 GT in auction hype.

1. Price Ranges (EUR, 2024)

(Note: Gullwings rarely trade publicly—most sales are private.)

Condition-Based Pricing

Project Car (Non-Runner/Needs Full Restoration): €1,200,000 – €1,800,000
*(Warning: Restoration costs can hit €2M+.)*
Driver-Quality (Restored, Minor Flaws): €2,500,000 – €3,500,000
(Ideal for: Collectors who actually drive it.)
Concours-Level (Matching Numbers, Perfect History): €4,000,000 – €6,000,000+
(Critical: Must have factory build sheets, original drivetrain.)

Record Sales

2023 RM Sotheby’s (Blue Chip, 1-Owner): €5,800,000
2022 Bonhams (Raced at Le Mans): €7,200,000

2. Key Factors Affecting Value

✅ What Adds €1M+

Original Engine/Transmission: "Matching numbers" is mandatory for top-tier sales.
Factory Rennsport Provenance: Ex-U.S. race car? Add 50%.
Celebrity Ownership: Fangio’s personal Gullwing = €10M+.

⚠️ What Kills Value

Non-Original Bodywork: Hand-formed aluminum is irreplaceable.
Modified Drivetrain: Swapping the fuel-injected M198 for a carbureted engine halves value.
Missing Doors: Yes, some try to pass off 300SL Roadsters as Gullwings.

3. Must-Check Items

🔧 Mechanical:

Fuel Injection Pump: Bosch "Mechanical Magic" costs €150k to rebuild.
Spaceframe Rust: Check under fenders—repairs require chassis jig.
Gullwing Door Hinges: Misalignment = structural damage.

📄 Paperwork:

Factory "Kardex" Build Sheet: Proves originality.
FIA Papers: If raced historically.

Pro Tip: Hire a 300SL Specialist like Rudi & Company (DE) or Paul Russell (USA) for pre-purchase inspection.

4. Market Trends

📈 Appreciation:

+10–15% annually since 2010 (ultra-wealthy hedge against inflation).
Raced/Rally Cars Rising Fastest (driven > trailer queens).

⚠️ Trap Warning

"Barn Find" Scams: Many "lost" Gullwings are just parts cars.

5. Ownership Costs

Insurance: €50,000+/year (agreed value policy).
Storage: €1,000/month (climate-controlled, armed guards optional).
Fuel: €50/100km (premium leaded substitute required).

Fun Fact: The doors don’t open if parked sideways on a hill, engineers assumed owners would always level-park.

Alternatives (If You Can’t Afford €4M)

300SL Roadster (W198, 1957–1963): €1.5M–€3M (no gullwing drama).
190SL (W121): €200k–€500k (the "poor man’s" SL).
Jaguar XKSS: €8M+ (if you’ve got D-Type money).

Verdict

✔ Buy if: You have a private museum and a restoration budget rivaling a space program.
✖ Avoid if: You think "DIY oil changes" apply here.