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Topic starter
05/05/2026 10:22 am
Starting with the 1954 Mercedes Benz 300 series, the consensus is that they are more important than the Porsche 911 (1964) or the Jaguar XKE (1961). Cited are the introduction of fuel injection, iconic design, advanced engineering and bringing racing design to the road. In 1957, the 300 SL street roadster (W198) replaced the gull wing, offering 240 HP version of their 3.0 liter fuel injected 6, with more user friendly features like a more roomy cockpit, larger trunk and an optional hardtop. Its tubular frame reduced the sill height dramatically so the gull wing doors were no longer necessary for access. With 80% of the roadster sent to the American market, between 1957 and 1963, 1858 were sold. Restored survivors can easily go for 7 figures in today's market.
Franklin Mint did a pretty nice job on this roadster and offered both hard and soft top options. This model, in cream over black was our club car limited edition of 413.
05/05/2026 10:26 am
I have always loved the tail end of this era best.
05/05/2026 12:58 pm
You might get some debate about what is the best sports car of the 20th century, but this is a favorite of mine. Thanks for photos.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
05/05/2026 3:59 pm
Late 70’s, Newport Beach, CA…MBZ had a car show that featured a 300SL sans bodywork. What sat in front of my eyes that day was amazing!
This post was modified 5 days ago by Steve Jacobs
05/05/2026 4:32 pm
Love it but Porsche 911, Jaguar E Type, Lamborghini Maura and McLaren F1were also strong contenders. For looks alone, I go with the Jaguar E -Type, innovation, the 300SL.
05/05/2026 4:39 pm
@david-green One more I would add is the third generation Mazda RX-7, which was sold in US from 1993 through 1995..
This post was modified 3 days ago by Ed Davis
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
05/05/2026 5:29 pm
I miss the collectors club and have all of the models that were issued.
05/05/2026 6:37 pm
superb pics, one I have thanks to the generosity of fellow forum member Chav.
05/05/2026 7:05 pm
@bob-jackman I am with you Bob. Is there not some other manufacturer that we could get to do a car?
Topic starter
05/05/2026 7:50 pm
We tried.@bob-jackman I am with you Bob. Is there not some other manufacturer that we could get to do a car?
05/05/2026 9:49 pm
Great info, read and model Rich. I always enjoy these. 💯😎
05/05/2026 10:04 pm
Love it but Porsche 911, Jaguar E Type, Lamborghini Maura and McLaren F1were also strong contenders. For looks alone, I go with the Jaguar E -Type, innovation, the 300SL.
The E-type and 300SL amaze me for how their incredibly beautiful bodies were fitted to their chassis. Especially the E-type because with that ‘body’, IMO, where did you hide the motor ?
06/05/2026 1:52 am
What about the Ford GT40 and the dependable and gorgeous '63 Corvette?
06/05/2026 5:15 am
John Bono
North Jersey
06/05/2026 5:42 am
Love it but Porsche 911, Jaguar E Type, Lamborghini Maura and McLaren F1were also strong contenders. For looks alone, I go with the Jaguar E -Type, innovation, the 300SL.
Exceptional choices David. I especially agree with E-Type for best looks.
I'd like to throw two other important names for consideration into the ring.
For street and track importance, Shelby's Cobra 427 S/C Roadster. A REAL 1966, below:
And for the enormous impact it made in races and as a street & show car, 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO:
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