15 Mercedes-Benz Cars Every Enthusiast Should Know About

Mercedes-Benz 300SL

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL is a true automotive legend, instantly recognizable thanks to its dramatic sculpted curves and iconic gullwing doors. Originally developed as the first race car by Mercedes after World War II, its design was both a triumph of form and function. The gullwing doors, while visually striking, were actually a necessity. Mercedes-Benz explains that the car's tube frame was crafted to provide maximum torsional rigidity while keeping weight to a mere 50 kilograms (110 pounds). Due to the shape of the frame, traditional door cutouts weren't feasible, so the innovative gullwing design was born out of necessity.

While its appearance alone makes the 300SL an iconic vehicle, its performance is what solidified its greatness. Powered by a mechanical direct fuel-injected inline 6-cylinder engine, it produced an impressive 220 horsepower---plenty for the lightweight car to achieve exceptional speed for its era. In fact, it was the first production car to be sold with a fuel-injected engine, marking a significant milestone in automotive history.

Today, the 300SL remains one of the most coveted and valuable cars in the world. Its stunning beauty, combined with its racing heritage and pioneering technology, makes it a standout in the history of Mercedes-Benz. As Robb Report highlights, when these rare models come up for auction, they can command prices in the millions, further cementing their status as automotive icons.