Chasing Classic Cars: Mercedes 300SL Gullwing and Ferrari 250GT Lusso

04/10/2012

The Mercedes Gullwing and Ferrari Lusso are among the most beautiful, powerful and desirable cars ever made and tonight on Chasing Classic Cars they'll be selling both.

The Gullwing Mercedes changed the U.S.’ opinion on Mercedes forever, from solid but staid to sporty and adventurous. And for good reason: being the first car to inject fuel directly into the cylinders, the 300SL was the fastest production car of its time, reaching a top speed of 161 mph.

The 300SL was originally a racing car, but American distributor Max Hoffman said it would be a commercial success in the U.S. as a street car, and he was right. Of all the 1400 cars made 80% were sold in the U.S.

Even though this car is definitely somewhere at the top of sexiest cars ever made it did have some issues. The car was more directed towards car racing than street driving: if not driven hard or long enough the car never reached a temperature high enough to evaporate the gasoline out of the lubricating oil. Furthermore, the car had unusually high sills that made exiting the car a bit problematic, even with the Gullwing doors. But who needs to exit a car like this anyway? Just bring some sandwiches and live in it.

Some say the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is the most beautiful Ferrari ever built, and there is no denying that it is stunning. With only 350 ever built, this is a car that’s very high in demand.

The Lusso was made to bridge the gap between luxury and sports cars. Introduced at the 1962 Paris motor show, the Lusso was designed by Pininfarina with coachwork by Scaglietti. The car sported flowing lines and a fastback shape typical of the GT cars of the mid-1960s.

Under the hood was the 250 GTO's Tipo 168 engine with 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) and three Weber 36DCS carburettors. The general fabulousness of the car made it a popular car among celebrities. Eric Clapton owned one and a Lusso owned by Steve McQueen was recently sold for the humble price of $2.3 million. Nbd.

Tonight on Chasing Classic Cars, Wayne Carini will be selling an exemplar of each of these rides. Watch Velocity at 9pm to see how much they will sell for.

Photo Credit: Gullwing: Don Heiny/Corbis & Lusso: wikipedia commons/exfordy

Comments

[complete universal lambo door hinge kit]

It's nice to learn the history of great classic cars like the one mentioned. I also agree to some comments regarding the gap between the old cars and today's cars.

[Orange County Nissan]

The classic SL is gorgeous; has a lot more character and style than the current SL models. However, having to be driven at high speeds as a requirement isn't exactly practical.

[Used Toyota Hiace]

Used cars VS new cars is a debate since ages, if there are no new cars and new cars buyers there won’t be any used cars in the market therefore both has their own significance and pros. It depends on your affordability to choose among the two.

[中古車買取]

Cars is not a luxury anymore, therefore used cars industry has filled the gap between, luxury and necessity and now everyone can afford a ride.

[Junior Perrera]

I agree with Tyra. Both cars have their own trademarks. I really love the gull-wing doors of the Mercedes 300SL, that door certainly made it special. On the other hand, the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is all about speed. It's one of the cars of the 60's that focused on that aspect. These cars are definitely a must have for any car enthusiast!

[dave creasey]

Dont know how to get a hold of the Wayne Guy but if you could pass this on to him,my friend has a 1946 Chrysler Highlander Convetable for sale. Complete car and also stripped down, if any interest give him my email nevdream1@yahoo.com

[garage equipment]

Mercedes benz is a top of the line car world wide. It would be really awesome to afford one like it.

[Used golf carts]

Actually both car looks fantastic.I can't compare these 2 cars.Because mercedes is my favorite car from long time..and Ferrari is really passionate car.But I will give the first preference to Mercedes.I really like the front lower facia and rims.Sweet looking ride!!

[used cars stockport]

this Mercedes 300SL Gullwing could probably be the granddaddy of the new SLS AMG. i must admit, i'm a mercedes benz fan. that gullwing door is better than mcqueen's car as a whole.

[tires las vegas]

i wouldn't mind driving around the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso! That car looks great!

[Tyra Shortino]

Both cars have their own trademarks to them. There’s something alluring about how the Gullawing looks like with its doors swung open – not unlike a bird in flight, really. On the other hand, Ferrari 250 GT Lusso has this classic sporty look, a characteristic favored by celebrity Eric Clapton, for one.