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25/08/2026 10:24 am
As the European racing circuits were resurrected after the war, Mercedes- Benz developed a super-light tubular framework for their W194 300SL that weighed only 150 lbs. It did create a very high door sill that necessitated the now iconic gull-wing doors on their Berlinettas (coupes). This first car was run only in 1952, and, although the 3.0 liter DOHC 6 engine was underpowered vs the competition, it scored a multitude of wins including Le Mans ending with a 1,2 win (with the 3rd entry disqualified) in the 3rd Mexican Panamera endurance race. This CMC models the winning Panamera car with its iconic bolted on steel rods over the windscreen after a vulture flew through the windscreen and almost killed the co-driver Hans Klenk.
1954 saw the 300SL redesigned as the W198. A new more aerodynamic body along with engine upgrades that could propel the car to 160 mph. The race version was also dominate for 2 years until Mercedes pulled out of racing after a horrific crash at Le Mans that killed at least 82 people. The design continued as a street car as is this very nice model by Franklin Mint.
This topic was modified 2 months ago by Rich Sufficool
25/08/2026 2:35 pm
Wings that fly. Great as usual Rich. Thanks for sharing them with us. 💯😎
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