300SL
Base Model@300sl
The 300SL is the base model of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy. Launched in 1955, it features a 3.0L inline-six engine, delivering 215 hp, along with iconic gullwing doors and a lightweight aluminum body. This trim offers a unique combination of performance and luxury, making it a standout in sports car history. It is recognized for its advanced engineering, including fuel injection technology and a sleek aerodynamic design.
Hierarchy Order
1
Registered Cars
1
Base Model?
Yes
Generation
300SL Alloy
Model
Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Performance
Twin Exhaust System
The twin exhaust system on the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy enhances engine performance by improving exhaust flow and reducing back pressure. This feature contributes to a sportier sound and a more responsive driving experience. Compared to single exhaust systems found in many contemporaries, this design allows for better engine efficiency and performance, especially at higher RPMs.
Weight-Optimized Frame
The weight-optimized frame of the 300SL Alloy is engineered to improve handling and agility by reducing overall vehicle weight. This design enhances the car's performance characteristics, allowing for quicker acceleration and more responsive steering. Compared to heavier frames in rival sports cars of the era, this feature contributes significantly to the 300SL’s legendary status in motorsport.
Lightweight Composite Materials
The use of lightweight composite materials in certain components of the 300SL Alloy further reduces weight and enhances performance. These materials ensure strength without the added mass, improving acceleration and handling. This approach is ahead of its time and differentiates the 300SL from many competitors that relied heavily on traditional metal components.
Narrower Sport Tires
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy features narrower sport tires designed for improved grip and handling during high-speed cornering. These tires reduce rolling resistance and enhance responsiveness, making the vehicle more agile compared to standard tires found on less performance-oriented models. This feature is essential for drivers seeking a thrilling driving experience on both track and road.
Adjustable Rear Spoiler
The adjustable rear spoiler on the 300SL Alloy enhances downforce at high speeds, improving stability and handling. Drivers can modify the angle of the spoiler based on driving conditions, making it a versatile feature for both track and street use. This level of adjustability is rare for its time, providing a performance edge over competitors with fixed spoilers.
Comfort
Racing-Inspired Steering Wheel
The racing-inspired steering wheel in the 300SL Alloy offers a sporty grip and design, enhancing the overall driving experience. It features a smaller diameter and thicker rim compared to standard steering wheels, providing better feedback and control during spirited driving. This feature is particularly appreciated in performance-oriented vehicles, setting the 300SL apart from more conventional models.
Adjustable Steering Column
A standard adjustable steering column allows drivers to customize their steering wheel position for optimal comfort and control. This feature enhances driving ergonomics, making it easier for drivers of varying heights to find a comfortable driving position. The adjustable steering column is an essential feature that contributes to the overall comfort of the 300SL Alloy during long drives.
Adjustable Front Seats
The adjustable front seats in the 300SL Alloy provide personalized comfort for drivers and passengers alike. These seats can be modified for height and angle, allowing for an optimal driving position. This level of adjustability was a luxury feature during the time of the vehicle's production, offering greater comfort compared to fixed seating in many rival sports cars.
Classic Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
The classic leather-wrapped steering wheel in the 300SL Alloy enhances grip and comfort, providing a tactile feel that connects the driver to the road. This feature is emblematic of the car's luxury heritage while catering to its sporty nature. Unlike standard steering wheels found in contemporary cars, the design is focused on ergonomics and driving enjoyment, making it a distinctive feature of the 300SL's interior.
Fully Adjustable Headrests
The fully adjustable headrests in the 300SL Alloy provide enhanced comfort and support during rides. This feature allows drivers and passengers to customize their seating position for optimal comfort, reducing fatigue on longer drives. This level of adjustability was innovative for its time, setting a standard in the sports car segment.
Safety
High-Performance Brake System
The high-performance brake system in the 300SL Alloy includes larger brake discs and advanced brake calipers, providing superior stopping power and control. This system benefits from the latest materials and engineering techniques available in the 1950s, ensuring optimal safety during high-speed driving. Compared to standard braking systems, this feature significantly enhances the vehicle's responsiveness and safety.
Disc Brakes
Equipped with four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, the 300SL Alloy provides superior stopping power compared to the drum brakes commonly used in other vehicles of its era. This advanced braking system enhances safety and performance, allowing the driver to have greater control and confidence during high-speed maneuvers, making it a standout in terms of safety features for sports cars introduced in the 1950s.
Enhanced Visibility Headlights
The 300SL is equipped with enhanced visibility headlights that provide improved illumination during nighttime driving. These headlights offer a broader and more focused light pattern, allowing drivers to see further down the road. This feature enhances safety by reducing the risk of nighttime accidents, particularly compared to standard headlights found in other vehicles of the same era.
Enhanced Safety Belts
The 300SL is equipped with enhanced safety belts that provide better restraint during spirited driving. These belts feature wider straps and improved buckles for added security and comfort. Compared to standard safety belts found in other vehicles of the era, these belts were designed with performance driving in mind, ensuring that occupants remain securely in position during dynamic maneuvers.
Windshield with Tinted Band
The windshield of the 300SL Alloy features a tinted band at the top, which reduces glare from the sun, enhancing driver visibility and comfort. This safety feature is crucial for long drives, especially under bright conditions. Compared to similar models, this thoughtful design element improves overall driving safety and is a notable inclusion in the vehicle.
Exterior
Aerodynamic Side Mirrors
The aerodynamic side mirrors of the 300SL Alloy are designed to reduce drag and improve overall airflow around the vehicle. This feature not only contributes to the car's distinctive aesthetic but also enhances performance at higher speeds by minimizing wind resistance. Compared to traditional side mirrors, the streamlined design is a critical aspect of the car's overall aerodynamic profile.
Gullwing Doors
One of the most iconic features of the 300SL Alloy is its gullwing doors, which open upward, providing a striking visual appeal and a unique approach to entry and exit. This innovative design not only enhances the car's aesthetics but also facilitates access in tighter spaces, a significant advantage over conventional doors found in other sports cars of the time.
Aerodynamic Body Design
The aerodynamic body design of the 300SL Alloy not only contributes to its iconic looks but also enhances its performance by reducing drag. Features like the distinctive gullwing doors and sloping roofline improve airflow, allowing for higher speeds and better fuel efficiency. This design element is crucial for achieving the performance standards expected from a sports car of its time, positioning the 300SL Alloy as a leader in aerodynamics among its contemporaries.
Retrofittable Hardtop
The 300SL Alloy offers a retrofittable hardtop option, allowing drivers to transform their roadster into a coupe. This feature provides additional versatility and protection against the elements while maintaining the car's sleek aesthetic. Compared to other sports cars of the time, this adaptability was a unique selling point, enhancing the vehicle's usability year-round.
Full-Width Rear Bumper
The full-width rear bumper on the 300SL Alloy not only adds to the car's iconic styling but also enhances safety by providing better protection in minor collisions. This design detail stands out compared to the more segmented bumpers found in some contemporary models, contributing to both aesthetics and functionality.
Interior
Leather Upholstery
The interior of the 300SL Alloy is adorned with high-quality leather upholstery, providing a luxurious feel that complements its performance-oriented design. Standard in the trim, the leather seats are designed for comfort and support, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience. This premium feature is a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to luxury and refinement, setting it apart from more utilitarian competitors.
Bespoke Interior Trim Options
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy offers bespoke trim options, allowing buyers to customize the cabin with high-quality materials such as exotic woods and polished metal accents. This level of customization provides a luxurious feel that sets it apart from more standard interiors found in other sports cars of the era. The attention to detail in the interior design enhances the overall driving experience, ensuring that every journey is as stylish as it is exhilarating.
Racing-Style Bucket Seats
The 300SL Alloy features racing-style bucket seats that provide excellent lateral support during high-speed cornering. These seats are designed to enhance the driving experience by keeping the driver securely in place, improving control and comfort. Compared to standard seats in other sports cars of the era, these offer a more aggressive seating position and are tailored for spirited driving, making them a hallmark of the 300SL's performance-oriented design.
High-Quality Wool Blend Carpeting
The interior of the 300SL Alloy boasts high-quality wool blend carpeting that adds a touch of luxury and warmth. This carpeting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides sound insulation, creating a quieter cabin experience. Compared to synthetic alternatives, the wool blend offers a more premium feel and durability.
Convenience
Manual Windows
The 300SL Alloy is equipped with manual windows, which were typical for sports cars of the era. While more modern vehicles offer electric windows, the manual windows in the 300SL provide a classic touch that emphasizes simplicity and weight-saving measures, aligning with the performance-oriented ethos of the vehicle.
Luggage Compartment with Integrated Straps
The luggage compartment of the 300SL Alloy is designed with integrated straps to secure cargo efficiently. This feature ensures that belongings remain in place while driving, enhancing practicality during longer journeys. Unlike other sports cars of the era, this thoughtful design element caters to the needs of touring drivers.
Manual Override for Windshield Wipers
The 300SL Alloy features a manual override for the windshield wipers, allowing drivers to control their operation directly. This feature is particularly useful in varying weather conditions, providing added convenience and safety. It stands out in an era where automatic systems were becoming more common, reflecting the car's focus on driver engagement.
Classic Windshield Wipers
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL features classic windshield wipers designed for optimal visibility during adverse weather conditions. These manually operated wipers provide a straightforward solution to keep the driver's view clear. Unlike more modern systems that may include automatic rain sensors, these wipers are robust and easy to maintain, making them a reliable choice for vintage sports cars.
Technology
Sporty Instrument Cluster
The instrument cluster in the 300SL Alloy features a sporty design with clear and concise gauges that provide essential information at a glance, including speed, RPM, and fuel levels. This focus on driver information reflects the sporty nature of the vehicle, ensuring that the driver can monitor performance metrics effectively during spirited driving.
Customizable Instrument Cluster
The 300SL's instrument cluster features customizable gauges that provide essential information at a glance. Drivers can select their preferred layout, focusing on performance metrics such as oil pressure, temperature, and speed. This level of customization is less common in competing sports cars of its era, making the 300SL a pioneer in driver-oriented technology.
Tachometer with Redline Indicator
The tachometer in the 300SL Alloy features a prominent redline indicator, allowing drivers to monitor engine RPM precisely and optimize performance during spirited driving. This feature is vital for enthusiasts who seek to maximize engine output and is more focused than standard speedometers found in many vehicles. The tachometer's classic design complements the overall sporty aesthetic of the 300SL, making it an essential instrument for performance-oriented driving.
Entertainment
Classic Becker Europa Radio
The Classic Becker Europa Radio featured in the 300SL provides a nostalgic audio experience with AM/FM capabilities. This radio is known for its high-quality sound and classic design, which complements the car's vintage aesthetic. While it may lack modern connectivity options, it stands out among contemporary options for its authenticity and reliability, making it a cherished feature for vintage car enthusiasts.
Classic Becker Radio
The 300SL is fitted with a classic Becker radio, which combines vintage aesthetics with quality sound. This radio includes AM/FM functionality, providing drivers with entertainment options during their journeys. While modern cars may offer advanced infotainment systems, the Becker radio adds a nostalgic charm that complements the 300SL's classic design, appealing to purists and collectors alike.
Optional Becker Mexico Radio
The optional Becker Mexico radio available for the 300SL Alloy is a classic feature appreciated by enthusiasts. It offers AM/FM capabilities and is renowned for its sound quality, allowing drivers to enjoy music while cruising. This radio setup was a sought-after upgrade, providing a nostalgic audio experience compared to standard offerings in contemporary vehicles.
Engine And Performance
Engine Type
Inline-6
Engine Displacement
2,996 cc
Cylinders
6
Horsepower
215
Torque
202
Performance Metrics
Top Speed
140.0 km/h
Zero To Sixty
8.0 sec
Quarter Mile Time
15.5 sec
Exterior Dimensions
Length
180.3 mm
Width
70.0 mm
Height
50.0 mm
Wheelbase
94.5 mm
Ground Clearance
5.0 mm
Interior And Capacity
Seating Capacity
2
Curb Weight
2,800.0 kg
Cargo Volume 4door
8.0 L
Capability
Towing Capacity
0.0 kg
Other Specifications
Drive Train Type
RWD
Petroleum Consumption Primary
N/A
Petroleum Consumption Secondary
N/A
Charging Time 120v
N/A
Charging Time 240v
N/A
Drivetrain
Transmission Gears
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission Description
Manual
Safety
Safety Rating
N/A
Pricing And Value
Msrp
$40,000.00
Depreciation Curve
[[1, 0.85], [2, 0.7], [3, 0.6], [4, 0.5], [5, 0.4]]
Estimated Cost Of Ownership
$60,000.00
Emissions
Emissions Rating
Euro 2
Co2 Primary
250.0 g/km
Basic Information
Region
N/A
Model Year
N/A
Fuel Economy And Range
City Mpg Primary
18.0 mpg
City Electricity Consumption
N/A
Combined Mpg Primary Exact
20.0 mpg
Highway Mpg Primary Exact
24.0 mpg
Range Primary
N/A