The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is one of the most recognizable sports cars ever built, and its gullwing doors are a big reason why. When the legendary coupe debuted in 1954, its roof-hinged doors looked like something from the future, setting it apart from virtually every other car on the road. More than 70 years later, they remain one of the most iconic design features in automotive history.
But those spectacular doors weren't originally created to make the car look dramatic. Their unusual design was born out of an engineering challenge inherited from the 300 SL's racing predecessor.
