1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLS Racing
Released as a specialized racing variant, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLS Racing derived from the iconic roadgoing 300 SL. This competition-focused machine was developed at the request of American racer Paul O’Shea, who transformed standard roadsters into lightweight racers for the SCCA’s D Production class.
The 300 SLS featured a 2,996cc overhead-cam inline six-cylinder engine generating approximately 250 bhp, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Engineers at Kienle Automobiltechnik substantially modified the vehicle, removing nearly 250 kilograms through extensive use of aluminum components, including the engine block, radiator, and specialized 120-liter fuel tank.
The racing conversion included stripping away the bumpers, standard windows, and heater, while adding a minimalist racing windscreen and single chrome roll bar behind the driver’s seat. Performance increased by about 35 horsepower over the standard model.
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