1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe

Rebuilding after World War II, Daimler-Benz was back on line by 1948, producing the basic 170 and 220 series sedans. In 1951 a more technically advanced 300 series was introduced which represented Mercedes-Benz’s return to the luxury market. The 300 featured all-independent suspension, a four-speed manual gearbox and a three-liter in-line six. With the company now more financially sound, Mercedes decided to return to motor sport competition to regain its image around the world.

Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut was put in charge of the factory’s postwar racing program. This time around, Uhlenhaut, without government subsidies, did not have a large budget to develop a competitive sports car. Just as Dr. Porsche had done in 1928, developing the SSK from a touring SS, the basis for the new 300SL was the 300 sedan.

In 1951 the prototype 300SL (for Sehr Leicht or Super Light) project was started. Components such as the engine, gearbox,...