Which Mercedes-Benz sports car, introduced in 1954, became famous for its upward-opening “gullwing” doors?

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, introduced in 1954, became famous for its upward-opening “gullwing” doors.

The 300 SL was based on Mercedes-Benz racing technology and was presented at the 1954 New York Auto Show. Its tubular space frame created a very rigid and lightweight structure, but the frame's side members rose high into the doors. That layout made conventional doors impractical and led to the distinctive roof-hinged design.

The car used a 3.0-liter straight-six engine with direct fuel injection, an advanced feature for a production sports car of the era. The coupé was followed by a roadster version in 1957, which used conventional doors and a revised frame.

The doors are its most recognizable feature, but the 300 SL's engineering and racing ancestry were equally important. The model is generally identified by its three-digit name, while “SL” comes from the German “Sport Leicht,” meaning “Sport Light.”