300 SL, W 198 I, 1953-1957

Product Description

The legendary Gullwing Coupé was the first thoroughbred sports car to be developed by Daimler-Benz after the War. The development of the car was initiated by Max Hoffman, an Austrian-born American, who had been the official importer of Mercedes-Benz cars since September 1952. The Board saw Hoffman’s plan to sell Mercedes-branded sports cars as a welcome opportunity to open up the US market to Daimler-Benz. In September 1953 work began on the development of two sports car models.

The series-produced version of the 300 SL, presented at the "International Motor Sports Show" in New York in February 1954, was based on the 1952-season racing car. It was from this model that the vehicle derived its most distinctive feature, the famous gullwing doors that gave rise to its nickname.

Between August 1954 and May 1957 1,400 models were manufactured in Sindelfingen, including 29 with light-alloy bodywork and a test vehicle with a plastic body.

300 SL, W198 I, 1953-1957, silver. Diecast metal. Approx. 7.62 cm (3 inches). Genuine paintwork colours. Accurate reproduction. High-quality printed interior. Age 3+. By Norev for Mercedes-Benz.

Product Information

• Article Number: B66041203