The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a two-seat sports car produced by Mercedes-Benz in two different styles, the coupe (1954-1957) and the roadster (1957-1963). The 300 SL was introduced in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York City, rather than Europe, as the company wanted to get it in the hands of U.S. buyers as soon as possible. The SL in its name stands for “super-light,” which refers to the car’s racing-bred light tubular frame construction.
This vehicle is capable of reaching a top speed of 163 mph and is known as a sports car racing champion and the fastest production car of its time. The coupe, with its gull wing style doors, is based of the company’s 1952 racer, the W194 and features a mechanical direct fuel-injection that boosts its power almost 50% on its 3-litre overhead camshaft straight-6 engine.
I chose this car for my collection due to its unique style doors and success in the automobile industry and circles. As for awards, the 300 SL was voted the “sports car of the century” in 1999. Today, this vintage car would cost buyers between $1,000,000 and $1,450,000 to own.