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1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Prototype
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.

1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Prototype

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.

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