To bring Mercedes-Benz back to the racetrack, the manufacturer decided to develop a purpose-built version of the Type 300, called the 300 SL. On its own, however, with a six-cylinder engine inclined at 50 degrees with only 177 hp, the car was not yet competitive. Instead, its strength lay in its chassis frame and aluminum body, which also had reduced drag. To ensure torsional rigidity of the lattice tube frame, Mercedes invented the unique gullwing doors.
In 1952, the W194 had a fantastic season and Mercedes- Benz at that time not only won the 24h of Le Mans, the Grand Prix of Germany and witzerland, but also took second place in the Mille Miglia. Then in 1953, the designers refined the racing model by installing an advanced Bosch direct injection system. The Mercedes-Benz W198 was born.
According to the available Mercedes-Benz delivery bill with the number 53719 this 300 SL Coupé in the original color graphite grey DB 190 combined with red leather 1079 and grey headliner L1 was delivered to the Mercedes-Benz agency in New York, USA on February 24, 1955.
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