Mercedes-Benz 300SL W198 I (1954) in Cream (1:18 scale)
- The legendary origin of this production car can be traced back to the race car prototype models similar in form, which were entered highly successfully from 1952 onwards in the Mille-Miglia, the Carrera Mexicana & other auto racing events. Its technology is based on a novel, warping-resistant grid-type tubular frame as well as a 3 litre 215 hp V-6 engine with fuel injection, which had the 300 SL model advance to the strongest & fastest production sports car in the world when it appeared on the market in August of 1954. The use of the gull-wing doors attached to the roof edge resulted from the fact that the grid-type tubular frame construction did not allow the fitting of regular doors. With hindsight, however, this played a substantial role with regard to its unusual appearance as well as its ongoing popularity.