His photographic style, which portrays beautifully lit car bodies as though they were works of art, lends itself perfectly to the ravishing lines of the legendary 300SL, and reflects his genuine passion for the subject matter. According to the publicity material, this book “is a love song to an exceptional car”, an essential reference and inspiration for all those who likewise admire its sumptuous lines, charting in pictures “every carefully engineered curve and detailed component” to depict the evolution of an automotive icon.

Of course, Staud is far from alone in his love of the 300SL. Among those who have respected the legendary car are stars of the calibre of Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Alfred Hitchcock, and the book is intended as a photographic homage to the much-loved “sports car of the century”, building on the success of Staud’s Mercedes-Benz SL calendars.

Classic Driver readers might be particularly interested in the Collector’s Edition of The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Book, limited to 100 copies, which comes in a 45 x 54cm clamshell box, along with a portfolio with a signed and numbered photoprint, plus two selectable prints limited to 50 copies each. Until 31 March 2012, the pre-publication price is 1700 euros, after which it rises to 2000 euros.

Photos: Renè Staud