Quirk Database1950sGermanyDoors that make no sense
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a gullwing coupe made by Mercedes-Benz in Germany from 1954 to 1957. Its weirdest quirk: The doors open upward like gull wings, and the sill is so high that the steering wheel pivots on its hub 90 degrees out of the way so you can climb in.
A racing car turned road car at the urging of US importer Max Hoffman, launched at the 1954 New York auto show. It was one of the first cars with direct fuel injection, and the fastest production car of its day.
Weird features:DoorsSteering & ignition
Quick facts
- Maker: Mercedes-Benz
- Years: 1954–1957
- Country of origin: Germany
- Body type: Gullwing coupe
- Engine: 3.0-liter M198 straight-six
- Weirdest quirk: The doors open upward like gull wings, and the sill is so high that the steering wheel pivots on its hub 90 degrees out of the way so you can climb in.
- Sold prices logged: 2 (latest: $1,710,000 at Bring a Trailer, Oct 29, 2026)
Sold prices
| Date | Venue | Car | Price | Mileage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bring a Trailer | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | $1,710,000 | ~10k mi (16k km) shown, TMU | Result for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing at Bring a Trailer ↗ | |
| Bring a Trailer | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | $1,550,000 | 85k mi shown | Result for 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing at Bring a Trailer ↗ |
Prices as published by each auction site, in the currency the car sold in. "TMU" means total mileage unknown.
Fact-check pit lane
Specs, dates and production figures on this page were checked against:
- Wikipedia: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
- Sold prices: each auction result linked in the table above