1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

When Mercedes-Benz introduced their new range of cars in 1951 it included the 3-liter six-cylinder 300S model which was to become the basis of their return to motor sport in 1952. Rudi Uhlenhaut, the Competition Director, was obliged to use production components for his new sports racecar and to compensate for the weight penalty he designed an ultra-light, welded spaceframe chassis with an all-alloy coupe body.

To alleviate the access problem caused by the multi-tubed framework, he introduced the now famous “Gullwing” doors, and tilted the engine 40 degrees to obtain a low bonnet line.

The 1952 racing debut was reminiscent of the pre-war domination, winning both the 24-hour Le Mans race and the grueling Carrera Panamericana, and coming 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the Mille Miglia.

These outstanding results plus the futuristic styling of the 300SL led Max Hoffman, the New York agent, to persuade Stuttgart that their specialized race cars should...