FAQ: Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing
What is a Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing?
The W198 300 SL Gullwing was a road-going version of the all-conquering W194 300 SL that had been raced during 1952. In early 1953, Mercedes’ US distributor, Max Hoffman, placed an order for 500 examples of the Sport Leicht and Mercedes developed the suitably refined W198 which was dubbed Gullwing on account of its spectacular roof-hinged upward opening doors.
When was the Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing launched?
The W198 300 SL Gullwing was launched at the New York Motor Show in February 1954.
How many examples of the Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing were built?
Mercedes built 1400 examples of the W198 300 SL Gullwing, all of which were left-hand drive.
Production ran from August 1954 to May 1957.
What method of construction did the Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing use?
Like the W194, the W198 300 SL Gullwing was based around a tubular steel spaceframe chassis.
What engine did the Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing use?
The W198 300 SL Gullwing used an iron-block 3-litre Straight 6 with single overhead camshaft, dry-sump lubrication and Bosch mechanical fuel-injection. Peak output was 220bhp at 5800rpm and 207lb-ft at 5000rpm.
The optional Sonderteile motor with racing camshaft and increased compression ratio produced 240bhp at 6100rpm.
What gearbox did the Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing use?
The W198 300 SL Gullwing used a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox with single dry-plate Fichtel & Sachs clutch.
How many different versions of the Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing were built?
Mercedes offered two different versions of the W198 300 SL Gullwing.
Cars built with the standard steel body were given a 198.040 VIN prefix.
Cars built with the optional aluminium body were given a 198.043 VIN prefix.
What is the most sought after specification for a Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing?
Cars built with the rare aluminium body option are the most sought after. Only 29 of the 1400 Gullwings produced were equipped as such. They also came with 198.043-specific Plexiglas side and rear windows plus the Rudge wheels and competition springs / dampers that were optional on the regular Gullwing.
What are the most sought after colours for a Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing?
Pastel and dark shades are generally the most sought after colours for a W198 300 SL Gullwing along with traditional Silver Grey followed by whites and reds.
What are the most sought after optional extras for a Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing?
The most sought after factory-fitted options for a W198 300 SL Gullwing are the 240bhp Sonderteile engine, Rudge wheels, competition springs / dampers and fitted luggage.
Is a Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing reliable?
If properly maintained by marque experts and given frequent exercise, W198 300 SL Gullwings are, like many German cars of this era, very reliable. The one feature that most routinely requires attention is the Bosch fuel-injection system
Are parts expensive for a Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing?
Yes, particularly Gullwing-specific items such as body and interior trim.
Does Mercedes-Benz still supply parts for the W198 300 SL Gullwing?
Mercedes still supplies quite a few mechanical parts for the W198 300 SL Gullwing.
What should you look for when buying a Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing?
Does the car have its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox (i.e. do the stamped numbers on these components match how the car left the Mercedes factory)?
Does the current specification match how the car left the factory in terms of colours and equipment?
Does the car come with its original book pack to include the original stamped service / maintenance record?
Does the car come with its original tool kit and jack?
Does the car come with a documented ownership chain back to when it was new?
Does the car have a service record that shows frequent high quality maintenance without regard to expense?
Does the car come with documentation for major works previously carried out such as a respray, rebuild or restoration?
Is the paint finish consistent across all panels or is it mismatched?
Is the interior upholstery consistent throughout or is it mismatched?
Does the body show any external signs of corrosion (for example around the headlight bowls, around the bottom of the windscreen, the bases of the A, B and C-pillars, the bottoms of the front fenders, the door and sill framework, the bottoms of the rear fenders, around the rear windscreen and around the front and rear aprons etc.)?
Does the body or chassis show any internal signs of corrosion?
Does the car show any sign of previously repaired crash damage?
Are the panel gaps consistent?
Do the opening panels lie flush with the fixed body panels?
Does the car sit at an appropriate ride height?
Is the engine, the engine bay and ancillary equipment clean of oil and without corrosion?
Does the engine pull cleanly at all revs, leak oil or emit an unusual amount of smoke?
Is the complete exhaust system to original specification and in good condition?
Do all gears engage cleanly even when cold?
Do the brakes pull clean and straight without any undue noise?
Can you apply full steering lock at low speed without any rubbing or grinding?
Does all the electrical equipment work as it should?
Are the wheels the original items, are they shod with the correct profile tyres from a respected brand and is there plenty of tread (consistent across each axle)?
What is the best way to buy a Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing? Auction, dealer or private seller?
These cars do occasionally come on to the market as private sales and this route is probably the least expensive way into W198 300 SL Gullwing ownership. Normally though, this calibre of vehicle is sold at high end dealers or auctions with the former allowing the most involved inspection while the latter may be cheaper in the short-term.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Mercedes-Benz - https://www.mercedes-benz.com
Further Reading:
A historical and technical appraisal
The best hand-picked examples
Individual car stories
