The average price for a Mercedes-Benz 300SL is between $1,000,000 – $2,500,000. In 2012, an ultra rare all-aluminum body 300 SL sold for $4,620,000 million, which is just 1 of 29 ever built. That’s some big money, so what justifies the price tag? What makes the 300 SL one of the most coveted classic cars in existence?
Getting to know the 300 SL Coupe
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe was designed after the 300 SLR, a 2-seat sportscar known for demolishing its competition in the 1955 World Sportscar Championship. The 300 SL was the fastest production vehicle of its time, but during its nine years of production, only 1400 were built.
In 1955, those gullwing doors made the crowds erupt with “golly-gee”s and “gee-willikers”s. Its straight-six 3.0L 215-horsepower engine was the first fuel-injected engine built for mass production, which allowed it to outperform every vehicle in its class at the time.
Getting in and out of the 300 SL was difficult with its high-sill, and small cockpit, but just look at it. The 300 SL was unique, beautiful, thrilling to drive, and years ahead of the competition.
So why the high price?
Gullwing doors, groundbreaking technology, and low production numbers are mostly responsible for this car’s price tag on the auction block. And again, just look at it. The 300 SL is one of the most beautifully designed vehicles of all time.
Its legacy lives on
One look at the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, and you start to see some similarities. The aerodynamic coupe-roadster design, the gullwing doors… it’s all there, but in an updated package. The SLS AMG produces a staggering 631-horsepower and accelerates from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds. Top speed? 195mph. The SLS AMG has won many awards for design, including the Gold Design Award from the Federal Republic of Germany – to date, it’s the only automobile to receive this award.
It’s safe to say that Mercedes-Benz honored the 300 SL well with the SLS AMG.
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