1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
Of all the cars Max Hoffman was involved with—and the list is a long one—the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is perhaps the most iconic. The origin of the Gullwing as we know it today is a classic “if not for Max Hoffman” story, as the original 300 SL was never meant to be a production car. Instead, created for the 1952 racing season to test the waters prior to making a full-scale return, the 300 SL was simply a makeshift expediency to allow an early entrance to racing following World War II and to keep Mercedes’ name in the news long enough for the firm’s 1954 Grand Prix car to be completed. To deem this exercise successful is an understatement, as a 2nd and 4th at the Mille Miglia, a 1st and 2nd at Le Mans, Nürburgring, and the Carrera Panamericana, and an incredible 1-2-3 sweep at Bern certainly spelled things out for the competition.
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Of all the cars Max Hoffman was involved with—and the list is a long one—the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is perhaps the most iconic. The origin of the Gullwing as we know it today is a classic “if not for Max Hoffman” story, as the original 300 SL was never meant to be a production car. Instead, created for the 1952 racing season to test the waters prior to making a full-scale return, the 300 SL was simply a makeshift expediency to allow an early entrance to racing following World War II and to keep Mercedes’ name in the news long enough for the firm’s 1954 Grand Prix car to be completed. To deem this exercise successful is an understatement, as a 2nd and 4th at the Mille Miglia, a 1st and 2nd at Le Mans, Nürburgring, and the Carrera Panamericana, and an incredible 1-2-3 sweep at Bern certainly spelled things out for the competition.
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