The Mercedes Benz 300 SL comes from the W194 version, a racing car produced in 1952 that allowed for the revival of the German automaker thanks to a brilliant racing career. The design for this car was born in a very difficult period for the Mercedes Benz: the war had destroyed most of the production plants and left few economic resources. The German Manufacturer had set two goals: return to the prestige reputation of its past and take on international competitions. The first goal was achieved almost immediately with the production of the Type 300. The second was more difficult because they did not have much to work with. But thanks to some key people within the company and to innovative solutions such as the trellis frame tube, allowed the German company to achieve the goal in a short time. The vertical height of the sides forced the designers to design a new type of door openings, called ‘gull-wings’.