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History Mercedes 300 SL

The necessity of the tubular space frame combined with the virtue of gull-wing doors - click to enlarge!
Magnification







German version


Mercedes 300 SL (W 198)
EngineIn-line six-cylinder
Displacement2996 cm³
Bore * stroke85 * 88 mm
Compression8,55 : 1
Engine controlOHC (chain)
Mixture preparationPetrol-direct injection
Tank capacity100 liter
LubricationDry sump
Torque275 Nm at 4600 rpm
Max. power158 kW (215 HP)
Rated speed5900 rpm
PowertrainFront engine with rear drive
ClutchSingle disc, dry
TransmissionFour-speed, floor-mounted shifter
Wheelbase2400 mm
Front suspensionTriangle-transverse arm
Rear suspensionSingle joint-swing axle
SteeringBall
Brakes f/rDrums, since 1961 discs
Tyres6.50 - 15
Body designFriedrich Geiger
Length4570 mm
Width1790 mm
Height1300 mm
Basic weight1290 kg
Top speed225 - 260 km/h dependent on rear axle ratio
Sales priceApprox. 29.000 DM
IntroNew York 1954 (prototype)
Manufactured1954 - 1957

-> Gullwings <-

Take a look at the tubular space frame in figure 4. It is with its protruding, side sillboards skillfully covered by thewing doors. For easier entry/exit the steering wheel can be folded down. About the frame is drawn sheet steel and aluminum in many places. Optionally, there is also only aluminum, but just realised in 28 bodies.

1400 built, only 80 remained in Germany ...

300 SL as sports car of the century?






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