1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”

The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” is a dream car of many collectors. By bringing the racing heritage of Mercedes-Benz USA to a production car (as well as the distinctive gullwing doors!), it’s an obvious crowd pleaser. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Stacey Silipo, Berkley One’s Vice President, Marketing & Branding, tells us why she loves the Gullwing.

Prefer to read a text version of the above graphic? We’ve got you covered below!

The Car

In 1954, Mercedes Benz introduced the head-turning 300 SL “Gullwing” coupe, and the car quickly earned the reputation of being the fastest production car of its time with a top speed of 162 mph. With its roots in racing and based on the company’s 1952 racing car, the W194, the 300 SL entered the market as the world’s first four-stroke production passenger car with a mechanical direct fuel injection system that significantly increased the power output of its engine. The car’s iconic gullwing doors and lightweight construction contributed to its influence and desirability. The 300 SL has a steel tubular frame chassis with a steel body, water-cooled 3.0-liter overhead cam straight six engine and direct fuel injection system. From 1954-1957, the gullwing coupe was produced and from 1957-1963 the coupe was replaced by a new roadster.

The Collector

The racing heritage of Mercedes-Benz, brought to a production car, combined with the distinctive gullwing doors has made the 300 SL a dream car of many collectors. In December 1999, it was voted Sports Car of the Century by a jury of trade journalists.

The Love

70 years after its introduction, it’s easy to see the convergence of technology, innovation and design that Mercedes-Benz brought to the market with the 300 SL. It’s an elegant, beautiful car that cemented the Mercedes-Benz brand in the US and created immediate demand. When I see a Gullwing at a car show or auction, it’s always one of the cars that I covet for my own garage.

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Contributed by Stacey Silipo

Photo: iStock

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5, Spotlight #6, Spotlight #7, Spotlight #8

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.