1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé
Cylinder 6,
displacement 2996 cm³, (183 cu in),
Output 215hp 5,800 rpm,
250 km/h 155 mph.
New York, February 6, 1954. The International Motor Sports Show opens – and Mercedes-Benz surprises the world with a completely unexpected car. The brand presents a super sports car. Its name: 300 SL.
The public quickly gives the coupé fitting nicknames. In German-speaking countries, it is called "Flügeltürer", the English-speaking countries call it "Gullwing," and the French refer to it as "Papillon" (butterfly). These immortal names remain to this day.
Mercedes-Benz Museum - Art and Culture
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé
Cylinder 6,
displacement 2996 cm³, (183 cu in),
Output 215hp 5,800 rpm,
250 km/h 155 mph.
New York, February 6, 1954. The International Motor Sports Show opens – and Mercedes-Benz surprises the world with a completely unexpected car. The brand presents a super sports car. Its name: 300 SL.
The public quickly gives the coupé fitting nicknames. In German-speaking countries, it is called "Flügeltürer", the English-speaking countries call it "Gullwing," and the French refer to it as "Papillon" (butterfly). These immortal names remain to this day.
Mercedes-Benz Museum - Art and Culture