Mercedes 300 SL 'Gullwing': the Hope Classic Rally Guide

Everywhere our Gullwing goes, a crowd gathers - be it live at the event, or online. Here's our guide to life with one of the world's most desirable cars.

2y ago
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We'd be the first to say that the 300 SL 'Gullwing' is no rocket; 135mph top speed and 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds is the stuff of many modern family saloons. But that's not really the point.

T​his was road-going sibling of the legendary 300 SL racing car of 1952, and famously came to be only came to be due to the determined persuasiveness of the Mercedes' American distributor at the time, Max Hoffman, who convened the German board that he could sell a consumer version of their highly successful track car.

Built in coupe form between 1954 and 1957, the 300 SL Gullwing was voted 'Sports Car Of The Century' in 1999, and we're not in the least surprised - in the flesh, it is breathtakingly handsome, enough to guarantee that you'll want to climb behind the wheel just to know how it feels.

And while the gullwing doors may be the obvious stars of the show, there's more than enough about the 300 SL coupe to tickle your inner automotive nerd.

Try the fact that you have the world's first mass production fuel injection system attached to that 3.0-litre straight six under the bonnet (with the result that the production car actually had more oomph than the racing car upon which it was based). Or that the that the hood, doors, trunk lid and sills are made from lightweight aluminium (hence the SL, or Super-Leicht ('super-light') moniker).

A mere 855 Gullwings were made, and you'll need to ready yourself to pay a price that reflects the rarity and beauty of the car - Hagerty value one at between $965,000 and $1.4m.

W​hat the experts say

The Telegraph

as the power comes in between 3500rpm and 400rpm, he feels as though he is being rocketed through space

A​UTOCAR

"This isn’t a heavy car, it wasn’t idly named SL (Sports Leicht) and at 1,295kg dry weight, its space-frame construction and aluminium doors, bonnet and boot gave it performance to match and beat the opposition."

A​utocar

"For a passenger who has not travelled in the 300 SL before, the effect is electrifying. The occupant receives at first a mild pressing back into the seat and then, as the power comes in between 3500rpm and 400rpm, he feels as though he is being rocketed through space..."

A​utoExpress

"Not only was its top speed around twice that of the typical contemporary family saloon, but it was also the world’s first production car with fuel injection."

E​vo

N​ico Rosberg

C​ar and Driver

"...the recirculating-ball steering is light and accurate, throttle response is immediate, and the ride is remarkable for something of this vintage: very compliant, a sort of controlled float over regular roads and absorbent on choppy ones."

T​he Gullwing at the Hope Classic Rally 2019

The 300 SL Gullwing was one of the true superstars at this year's Hope Classic Rally, where enthusiasts donate their cars for other enthusiasts to bid to drive. To date, the Rally has raised more than £1.3m for WeSeeHope.

O​ur 300 SL Gullwing sets off from the famous Brooklands track in Surrey, bound for Goodwood.

O​ur 300 SL Gullwing sets off from the famous Brooklands track in Surrey, bound for Goodwood.

O​h, and before you go...

T​he build-up to this year's Hope Classic Rally is underway - we proud to announce next year's event will be on June 26 and 27, beginning with an automotive garden party at the Oaklands Park Hotel in Surrey.

T​hey money raised by the Rally goes to supporting vulnerable children in Africa - and so far, we've raised more than £1.3m.

I​f you want to support next year's event - by donating your car, or joining us for the day as a sponsor or bidder - get in touch either through the Hope Classic site, or by emailing Marina Hamilton.

J​use some of the fabulous classics at this year's Hope Classic Rally at the end of the two-day event at Goodwood.

J​use some of the fabulous classics at this year's Hope Classic Rally at the end of the two-day event at Goodwood.

W​ant to help us support WeSeeHope? If you have a car to donate, or want to join us on the day, get in touch!

W​ant to help us support WeSeeHope? If you have a car to donate, or want to join us on the day, get in touch!

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