Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL traces its origin to a succesful racing sports car, the Mercedes-Benz W194. The idea of Mercedes producing a toned-down Grand Prix car targeted to affluent performance enthusiasts in the booming post-war American market was suggested by American car importer Max Hoffman at a 1953 directors' meeting in Stuttgart. Mercedes' new general director, Fritz Konecke, agreed to Hoffman's order for 1,000 cars to guarantee the success of the production run.  In addition, the production of a smaller roadster, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, was announced after Hoffman ordered another 1,000 of them. In February 1954 Mercedes-Benz introduced both cars at the New York International Auto Show.