The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (chassis code W 198) was produced between 1954 and 1963. It was first produced as a coupe from 1954 to 1957 with gullwing doors and then from 1957 to 1963 as a roadster.

The direct production version with fuel injection was based on the 1952 1952 engine, the W194.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300 SL in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York, rather than in Europe, and was largely the creation of Max Hoffman's marketing.

It was elected the "sports car of the century" in 1999.

The 300 refers to its engine displacement of 300 centiliters or, more specifically, 2,996 cc (182.8 cu in).

SL is the abbreviated form of "super light" in German and refers to the construction of the lightweight tubular structuRE.