Many classic cars disappear with time, are sold as scrap to individuals or end up in scrap yards. Sometimes classic models are discovered by enthusiasts and are restored to their former glory.

The Mercedes Benz 300 SL racing car was built in 1952, one still exists. Mercedes Benz restored the vehicle to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the model series. This delicate work was carried out in the Company’s Classic Centre in Germany, where each component was assessed and suitably restored.

                               1952 Mercedes-Benz Racing Cars Type 300 SL

The 300 SL racing model had widened gullwing doors for easier access and this door size was then maintained for future models. The power unit was ‘borrowed’ from the 300 Saloon models which were developed and built as a state limousine for the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany after World War II, Konrad Adenauer. It was a 3.0 litre 6 cylinder petrol engine and when tuned to the racing specification enabled the car to reach 140 mph.

The Company entered three of their 300 SLs in the Mille Miglia race in Italy in 1952 and caused a stir when they occupied a brilliant second place demonstrating speed and stamina. It was expected that the Mercedes car are no match. They caused an even bigger stir with their triple victory in the Bern Grand Prix the same year.

         1952 Mille Miglia Italy: The Mercedes 300 SL finish an astonishing second

Mercedes entered the Le Mans 24 race which was the highlight of the racing calendar. Victory at Le Mans meant maximum exposure and a unique boost in image and sales. Whilst one of the Mercedes triple had to pull out due to mechanical failure, the other two achieved a fantastic win out of reach of all other competitors.

1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Racing Cars

Winners of the 1952 Le Mans 24 hour race

The winning 300 SL at an average speed of more than 155 km/h was driven by Hermann Lang and Fritz Rieß, who established a new Le Mans record. Second was the 300 SL driven by Theo Helfrich and Helmut Niedermayr. Nobody expected such an outcome. These victories massively reinforced the foundations for the Company’s post war history.

                              1952 Mexico: The Carrera Panamericana

These foundations were laid at a time where conditions were grim: The old pre-war designs were outdated, raw materials were scarce, production facilities generally were in ruins, but the Management Board of the Company at a meeting late 1947 saw their products not only as world class limousines, but also as successful sports cars of the future.

1952 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Prototype Images: