The 300SL Gullwing was a landmark: the first production car with fuel injection, a 160 mph top speed in the mid-1950s, and those unmistakable upward-opening doors. It is one of the most important collector cars ever made.
This guide covers the full specification, where values sit today, how it compares, and what matters most when you buy one.
Specification
| Years of production | 1954–1957 |
| Units built | 1,400 (Gullwing coupe) |
| Engine | 3.0 L inline-six (fuel-injected) |
| Power | 212 hp (gross) |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft (275 Nm) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| 0–60 mph | ~8 sec |
| Top speed | ~160 mph (257 km/h) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Price when new | ~$7,000 (1955) |
Performance in context
Fuel injection gave the Gullwing a genuine 160 mph in 1955, extraordinary for the era. It is a usable, beautifully engineered landmark as much as a work of art.
The market: what a 300SL Gullwing is worth now
The Gullwing is a cornerstone collector car. Good steel-body cars typically trade around $1,300,000 to $1,800,000, with the rare alloy-bodied cars worth several times more.
Indicative market guidance, October 2026. Sources: CLASSIC.COM, Hagerty. Typical ranges, not a quotation.
What to look for when buying
- Steel vs alloy — the rare alloy-bodied cars are worth several times a steel car.
- Matching numbers — original engine and body, confirmed via factory records.
- Rust and structure — check the spaceframe and body carefully.
- Restoration history — documented, high-quality restorations lead.
- Originality — correct colour, trim and specification support value.
We source Mercedes 300SL Gullwing examples privately, through collector and specialist networks, and handle inspection, verification, negotiation and delivery. Tell us the specification and history you want, and we will find it.
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