Mercedes-Benz 300SL
The ultimate mercedes-benz
MERCEDES-BENZ W198 HISTORY:
With the introduction of the W198 coupe (Gullwing) in 1954, the concept of the sports coupe came from the factory racing days of the W194 with its space frame chassis and 50-degree incline from the vertical engine unit offset towards the right side.
This low-slung engine on the incline would mean a dry sump with a scavenging pump and oil-holding tank.
Having the engine inclined to the left and positioned slightly to the right meant options for RHD was not possible.
Access in and out of the Gullwing was never the easiest and to increase ventilation in such a hot cab was to remove the side glasses. Though in London in the 1950‘s you could see Gullwings leaving the MB works in Kennington with the doors up!
1957 saw the last of the 1400 Gullwings and the introduction of the 300SL Roadster with hardtop and soft top options. This roadster version continued with the Gullwing engine unit with modifications and upgrades, modified space frame to accommodate side doors as well as changes to the rear drive train giving an improved road holding. The roadster continued until 1963 with a total of 1858 units produced.
OUR 300SL HISTORY THEN AND NOW:
Having worked at Mercedes UK when these 300SLs were still in everyday use and not the heady values of today. Servicing and tuning were of a different era than other Mercedes of the 1950s and early ’60s.
A 300SL mechanic needed to possess experience in how a 300SL should perform. This was as essential in the ’50s and 60’s as it is today.
Tuning was often performed by road testing, listening, adjusting and resetting to suit.
Nowadays we find as vehicles age, general maintenance can include, wiring loom replacement, fuel injection system overhauls and for some owners upgrades to front disc brakes, a smoother operation diaphragm clutch assembly and to deal with today’s congested traffic additional electric cooling fans.
Our workshop and body shop over the last 40 years plus has serviced, repaired, recommissioned and restored 300SLs to the highest level giving owners confidence in their vehicles.
With clients annually touring throughout Europe including retracing a Stirling Moss trip around the north of Sweden and Norway where very little assistance can be available for such a vehicle, it is essential our service engineers know these vehicles inside out.
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