1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Prototype
IN 1953 Mercedes-Benz revised their successful racecar to include a new front grill, side engine bay vents and a full size front hood. This sole prototype was built on chassis ‘000 11/53’ which was the 11th 300 SL built at the time.
Underneath the car was almost identical to the 1952 version which won Le Mans and contested some of the most important races in the world. This included the same space frame chassis with a slightly shorter wheelbase and OHV engine that was canted to reduce height.
While the 1953 version of the 300SL signalled the way forward to the eventual production version in 1954, it was never actively raced.
Der Mercedes-Benz Typ 300 SL (W 194) mit der Chassisnummer W 194 011 wird für die Rennsaison 1953 entwickelt. Der Prototyp kommt aber nicht zum Renneinsatz.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194) mit der Chassisnummer W 194 011. Rennsportprototyp für die Rennsaison 1953. Dieser Prototyp kam nicht zum Renneinsatz.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194) mit der Chassisnummer W 194 011. Rennsportprototyp für die Rennsaison 1953. Dieser Prototyp kam nicht zum Renneinsatz.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194) mit der Chassisnummer W 194 011. Rennsportprototyp für die Rennsaison 1953. Dieser Prototyp kam nicht zum Renneinsatz.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194) mit der Chassisnummer W 194 011. Rennsportprototyp für die Rennsaison 1953. Dieser Prototyp kam nicht zum Renneinsatz.
In Detail
| tags | gullwing, 300sl, w194 |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Concept / Prototype Car |
| built at | Germany |
| production | 1 |
| engine | M194 Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal, 50 Degree Inclination To The Left |
| valvetrain | SOHC w/2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 3 Solex Downdraft Carburetors |
| displacement | 2996 cc / 182.8 in³ |
| bore | 85 mm / 3.35 in |
| stroke | 88 mm / 3.46 in |
| compression | 8.0:1 |
| power | 130.5 kw / 175.0 bhp @ 5200 rpm |
| specific output | 58.41 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 201.15 bhp per tonne |
| body / frame | Aluminum Body over Tubular Space Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 6.7×15 |
| rear tires | 6.7×15 |
| front brakes | Alloy Drums w/Hydraulic Assist |
| rear brakes | Alloy Drums w/Hydraulic Assist |
| steering | Recirculatin Ball |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Stabilizer Bar, Telescopic Shock Aborbers |
| r suspension | Swing Axle w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers, ? |
| curb weight | 870 kg / 1918 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2400 mm / 94.5 in |
| front track | 1381 mm / 54.4 in |
| rear track | 1445 mm / 56.9 in |
| length | 4220 mm / 166.1 in |
| width | 1790 mm / 70.5 in |
| height | 1265 mm / 49.8 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 3.33:1, 2.12:1, 1.50:1, 1.00:1 |
| top speed | ~240 kph / 149.1 mph |
