Schuco 1:43 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLS - No. 30

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (chassis code W 198) is a two-seat sports car that was produced by Mercedes-Benz as a gullwinged coupe (1954–1957) and roadster (1957–1963). It was based on the company's 1952 racer, the W194, with mechanical direct fuel-injection which boosted power almost 50% on its 3-liter overhead camshaft straight-6 engine. Capable of reaching a top speed of up to 263 km/h (163 mph), it was both a sports car racing champion and the fastest production car of its time.

Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz's authorized United States importer at the time, inspired the 300 SL and correctly perceived an American market for such a car. The company introduced the 300 SL in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York City instead of Europe to get it into U.S. buyers' hands sooner.

SL is the short form for "super-light" in German, Mercedes' first use of the designation, referring to the car's racing-bred light tubular frame construction.

The 300 SL was voted the "sports car of the century" in 1999

A special 300 SLS (Super Light Special) version of the 300 SL Roadster was created for the Mercedes-Benz U.S. racing team to compete in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) national circuit in 1957. After the 300 SL Coupe completely dominated the D Production class en route to titles in 1955 and 1956, the rules were changed to make the class more competitive by enlarging the maximum engine size from 3.0 to 3.5 liters. Rather than radically modify its engine size (on the cusp of releasing the company's new 300 SL Roadster to replace the Coupe), Mercedes-Benz instead created two specially modified Roadsters to campaign in the D Modified class SCAA circuit. These featured a solid cover over the passenger seat, a low profile racing screen in place of a full-width and height windscreen, a driver's seat roll bar, a custom cowl with engine air intake, and a lack of front and rear bumpers. These and other modifications lowered vehicle weight from 1,420 kilograms (3,130 pounds) to 1,040 kilograms (2,290 pounds). Engine output was increased 20 hp (15 kW) to 235 hp (175 kW). Team driver Paul O'Shea once again brought home the title for the company.