Mercedes-Benz 300SL: When new Austins produced 40bhp, the 300SL had 240bhp - and a price tag to match

摘要

For a good idea of just how far out of the ordinary the 300SL was in 1955, a stroll through the prices charged for other cars provides it. A modest runabout like an Austin A30 cost ￡475, a large family car like Ford Zephyr some ￡754. Those of a sporting bent could have an Austin Healey 100/4 for ￡1063, while if you wanted to really go for ultimate performance, a Jaguar XK140 would set you back ￡1598. And if you wanted a car capable of winning the Le Mans 24 Hours and were unbelievably wealthy, nothing less than a D-type Jag could be yours for ￡2685. The 300SL was ￡4392.