Description
De Mercedes-Benz 300SL (where SL stands for Sport Leicht) is a two-seater car from the Duitse car brand Mercedes-Benz, which was manufactured from 1952 to 1963. The 300SL could be distinguished in two types: The W 198 I was the Coupe with gull-wing doors which was produced from 1952 to 1957. The W 198 II was the open roadster which was produced from 1957 to 1963.
In order to be able to participate in car racing again after the Second World War, Mercedes-Benz had the 300SLR developed a two-seater racing car in imitation of the famous W196 racing car. Racing enthusiasts were offered an alternative by developing the 300 SL with the knowledge gained from the 300 SLR, and many racing parts were incorporated into this car. Characteristic was its very rigid construction chassis in the form of welded pipes to ensure a good distribution of reaction forces. Furthermore, a swing axleconstruction applied to the rear wheels. The engine was taken from the type 300 (the later so-called Adenauer) and adjusted and tilted so that it could be mounted under the low hood.
300SL Roadster
De W 198 II (300SL Roadster) was introduced in 1957 as the successor to the 300SL Coupé, because it did not meet the Mercedes comfort standards for normal street use. The swing axle was replaced by an independent one suspension and the suspension became softer, which did not improve sporty driving behavior. The braking power was also not optimal due to the use of drum brakes, so the cars were fitted with disc brakes all around from March 1961. The car, which was offered as a Roadster, was now only available as a normal two-door car with an optional separate hardtop. 1963 units of this type were manufactured until the last year of production (1858).
