The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W198) "butterfly" is a two-seater coupe and convertible automobile model of the German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz designed and designed by designer Friedrich Geiger, marketed from 1954 to 1963 and entered since then. legend of dream cars. It is considered to be the most emblematic Mercedes produced after the Second World War for its originality, its technical and aesthetic qualities.

Following the victory of the Mercedes-Benz W194 “300 SL” at the Carrera Panamericana 1952, the very dynamic American multi-brand dealer Max Hoffman (in) came to find the leaders of Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart to convince them to realize a road version of the W194. Sure of his actions and his customers, he ordered the first 1,000 copies and even delivered a large deposit.

The new W198 which makes its first appearance at the New York Auto Show in the form of a coupe with the same astonishing “butterfly doors” as its predecessor. The 300 SL model, based on a successful competition car, is famous for being the first Mercedes equipped with gasoline injection. "300" indicates the displacement of three liters. The terminology "SL" stands for "super-leicht" (for "very light").

The 300 SL presented technical aspects that no other model offered at the time such: a tubular chassis, fuel injection (from 1955), disc brakes (from 1962).

80% of the production was sold in the United States, which greatly contributed in this country to give Mercedes-Benz an image of sporty and even "sexy" cars. It was constructed of steel except for the hood, doors and trunk which were made of aluminum. It was possible to order an all-aluminum body which made it possible to lighten the vehicle by 80 kg for a higher price (only 29 examples were thus produced: 26 in 1955 and 3 in 1956). The very limited production of the latter makes it one of the most expensive vintage cars in automotive history.

The engine (reference M198) tilted 45 ° to the left on its axis so that the hood and the body line are lower, is the 3-liter in-line six-cylinder of the Mercedes-Benz 300 (type W186) and equipped with a mechanical Bosch direct injection system which largely doubles the power. From 115 hp in the carburetor version on the 300 sedan, the in-line six thus delivers 240 hp at 6,100 rpm on the 300 SL. This new system, based on certain Citroën patents concerning turbulence at the end of compression, allowed a top speed of over 225 km / h, making it the fastest car in the world at the time.

Aerodynamics play an important role and the engineers even went so far as to install fins above the notches of the wheel openings. Given the overall styling it has been suggested that these fins were added to make it more appealing to American buyers in keeping with the style of the time. Unlike cars of the 1950s, the steering is reasonably precise and the independent suspension quite comfortable.

In total, from 1954 to 1963, 3,259 units were produced by Mercedes-Benz, with a breakdown of 1,401 Coupés and 1,858 in convertible version.

This available copy is fully functional and drives perfectly. An original Mercedes hard top was added later and is provided, as well as luggage adapted to the trunk.