Skip advert
Advertisement

1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing

For any car fan, it’s a privilege to lift the surprisingly light gullwing door, climb over the wide sill and drop into the 300 SL’s low-slung seat.

For any car fan, it’s a privilege to lift the surprisingly light gullwing door, climb over the wide sill and drop into the 300 SL’s low-slung seat. Taking the car for a spin fulfils a childhood dream.

Push a small chrome button, and the engine splutters into life. Nothing much happens when you pull away, but it’s not long before the 300 SL’s racing roots shine through.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Find a straight, hold on to a gear and the engine comes alive as the revs rise, and it gets louder and pulls stronger with every rpm.

In corners there’s lots of body roll by modern standards, but if you’re brave you can tighten your line by dabbing the throttle.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mercedes SL Class

Mercedes SL Class

RRP £110,030Used from £64,180
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,063 off RRP*Used from £24,710
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £11,990Avg. savings £586 off RRP*Used from £9,495
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £3,338 off RRP*Used from £10,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Long-term test: Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance
Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance - family header

Long-term test: Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance

First report: Range-topping version of flagship SUV joins our fleet and is fast becoming a family favourite
Long-term tests
9 Aug 2026
New Ford Focus: full details on the iconic name’s SUV return
Ford Focus exclusive image

New Ford Focus: full details on the iconic name’s SUV return

An all-new Ford Focus is set to make a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
10 Aug 2026
New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy Black Ink has a price to write home about
New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy Black Ink - front

New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy Black Ink has a price to write home about

Design tweaks inside and out give electric SUV a menacing look, taking Hyundai into rarefied pricing territory
News
7 Aug 2026