There are a number of cars that are better known by their nicknames, than their original designation, like the Alfa Romeo Montreal, or the Ferrari Daytona. But probably the most iconic and well-known nickname is Mercedes’ Gullwing.
The 300SL was a road car based on Mercedes’ 1952 W194 racecar. The racecar utilized the motor out of the 300 Adenauer saloon and the 300 S two-seat touring car. At the time, the new engine was sporting carburetors and produced 175 HP. Being lightweight and low drag, the W194 was still competitive in endurance events for the ’53 season, though now sporting mechanical fuel injection along with 16-inch wheels.
