300 SL Gullwing

300 SL Gullwing (W198) records one precise Mercedes-Benz performance-car configuration from 1954–1957. The 300 SL Gullwing joined racing-derived construction and direct injection to create one of the defining post-war performance cars.

At its centre is a 2,996 cc naturally aspirated inline-6 identified as M198. The manufacturer publishes 158 kW (215 PS) for this scope. Direct petrol injection, a canted inline-six and a lightweight tubular spaceframe translated the W194 racing concept into a road car.

The engine is installed in a longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive layout and works through a 4-speed manual. Those facts matter acoustically as well as technically: engine position, firing order, induction, gear selection and cabin structure all affect what reaches a listener.

Within Mercedes-Benz's history, this is a precisely defined model. Related badges, body styles and competition derivatives may share a visual or mechanical vocabulary without sharing exact specifications. The family tree provides context, not permission to transfer a recording or fact from a neighbouring model.

The listening cues direct-injected inline-six, four-speed manual, front engine, tubular spaceframe are orientation rather than proof. A cold start can expose idle control and mechanical texture; acceleration can document induction, combustion and shift behaviour; a fly-by can place exhaust and tyre sound in an exterior context.

The focus here is the 1954–1957 closed-roof W198 300 SL Gullwing. It excludes the later Roadster, W194 competition cars, 190 SL and replicas. Many surviving performance cars have replacement exhausts or other changes.

It invites cold start, acceleration and fly-by recordings, plus photographs, documents and corrections.

Contributors are therefore asked for capture date, general environment, microphone and recorder details, engine temperature, operating load and any known deviation from factory specification. Private location and ownership details stay out of the public record. This practical metadata lets later researchers distinguish mechanical character from recording technique while leaving room for a corrected identity or a better documented replacement.

Preservation means keeping each claim inspectable and correctable.