The term "supercar" has become commonplace in the automotive vernacular, but rewind three-quarters of a century and it just didn't exist. The birth of the term didn't gain momentum until the 1970s or 1980s, but with retrospective eyes, it's easy to label some icons over the years. So in this series, we look back at the best supercars of the decades, and kick things off with the decade with the cars that are suitably befitting of the title, the 1950s.
The '50s marked a turning point in automotive design, where elegance met performance in a booming post-war car market.
At the forefront of this revolution was the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, which many consider the first supercar of the modern era.
In 1999, a panel of motoring journalists even crowned it the 'Sports Car of the Century'. The 300SL was a statement vehicle in many ways, an icon that captured imaginations and continues to do so today.
Born and bred for the track
Unlike its peers that often prioritised luxury over performance, the 300SL ('Sport Light') was bred for the racetrack.
Born from the endurance championship-winning Mercedes-Benz W194, it inherited a lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis, a construction technique revolutionary for road cars of the time. This feature shed significant weight but demanded the iconic gullwing doors, their dramatic upward swing considered then and now as a feat of engineering.
Beneath its sculpted bonnet roared a 3.0-litre straight-six engine, a technological marvel of its era.
Its mechanical direct fuel injection system was cutting-edge, unleashing 158kW and a top speed of 257km/h. These figures made the 300SL the fastest production car on Earth, a fact that resonated with 1950s thrill-seekers and connoisseurs alike.
The 300SL also featured independent suspension on all four wheels, delivering a ride that was both performance-suited and comfortable. Large and powerful (at least, for their time) drum brakes provided stopping power that belied the era's technology. Even its fuel injection system was a harbinger of things to come, influencing future advancements in engine design.
Form and function
The 300SL wasn't just about raw power.
It fused design and engineering seamlessly, where every curve served a purpose. Its low-slung body, wind-cheating lines and prominent air intakes were functional elements honed in the wind tunnel, ensuring the car cut through the air with minimal resistance.The car's form followed its function, creating an aesthetic that remains stunning to this day.
Meanwhile, the 300SL's interior showed off premier craftsmanship: supple leather seats hugged occupants, a wood-rimmed steering wheel beckoned drivers and precision gauges provided critical feedback. Even the tiniest details, like the polished metal accents and the intricate stitching, spoke of a car built for those who demanded the very best.
An enduring legend
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL achieved numerous racing victories, including a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and an overall victory in the Carrera Panamericana.
With only 1400 Gullwing coupes produced between 1954 and 1957, the 300SL became an instant collectible. Today, the most well-maintained examples can command prices well into the millions.
But the Gullwing's legacy extends beyond its value.
It's a car that pushed boundaries, inspiring generations of supercar designers and engineers. Its influence can be seen in countless modern vehicles, proving that true innovation never fades. One of those was the 2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, modernised gullwing doors.
Whether you're a die-hard petrolhead or simply appreciate beautiful design, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing remains a shining example of what happens when engineering brilliance meets artistic vision. It is indeed a timeless classic, forever etched in the annals of automotive history.
