The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing should have been a failure | Revelations with Jason Cammisa | Ep. 18

The Mercedes W194 300SL racing car was a recipe for failure, using heavy components from the S-Class luxury car.
And yet, in the summer of 1952, it took to the podium in the Mille Miglia, Bern Grand Prix, Le Mans, the Nürburgring, and then, that fall, the Carrera Panamericana, humiliating Porsches and Ferraris and everything else.
The 300SL became a legend in just a few months.
Convinced there was nothing left to win, Mercedes killed off the racing program, and the 300SL was set to be relegated to the history books.
Except that the brilliant Max Hoffman knew a legend when he saw it, and convinced Mercedes to make a roadgoing version. The W198 300SL was a barely modified version of the race car, with an even nicer, "Bordello on Wheels" interior and even more horsepower - thanks to the world's first direct-injected gasoline engine.
The 300SL's swing-axle rear suspension came straight from the S-Class, but was tuned for oversteer at the input of the talented race-car drivers who could control it. For less-skilled drivers, the 300SL's handling was fearsome - but those who survived were treated to what was unquestionably the best-driving sports GT of the 1950s. And of all time.
Only Mercedes, a company whose tagline is "The Best of Nothing" could start out with all the wrong parts and turn nothing into the best.
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[@Heyitsallgoodman]

Haggerty spent a lot of money going on a KZbin campaign and really striving for shows that are special. Most are. But Jason and crew are the one. Keep renewing the seasons guys. This one has to keep going.

[@maxboya]

They need to replace Jason.

[@maxboya]

@UCstzj8E59JSguXxxq1sD9kA Yes they do. They need to bring an individual in like Tom Cotter. Not someone who speaks like they’re high on pixie sticks.

[@maxboya]

@@cobaharayestephane1190 Do you live under a rock? Going off how dense your comment was I’ll take that as a yes. Broaden your horizon.

[@sv_cheats1970]

@@maxboya idk he does a pretty great job presenting these videos.

[@medz3398]

@@maxboya no. Jason makes this series

[@Mike-dn4ju]

Said it before… this is the best quality car content in the world right now. Thank you to everyone involved. Your passion and dedication shines through in all of these. Bravo.

[@daveab1947]

No doubt 😃🔥

[@pbjracing14yearsago49]

Throttle House and RCR are incredible but I agree, Cammisa makes THE best car content in the world. Absolute treat.

[@pace_tracker]

Agree fully, the best!

[@trentcardwell8620]

Agreed!!!

[@Hanschepu]

Agree - Cammisa / Hagerty duo is something we have to be grateful for, don't know how long it will last, but I truly appreciate every single episode. This content is just TOO MUCH QUALITY I can't believe it's free on KZbin.

[@elroyfudbucker6806]

I read in a British magazine, Classic & Sports Car about a car dealer in the US in the'50's who wanted a 300SL coupé ..... in kit form. Mercedes complied & duly sent the kit. He never got around to building it & subsequently died. The kit was sold as part of a deceased estate & so the lucky new owner got him self a decades old car that was brand new with zero miles. All he had to do was to assemble it.

[@paganizondasroadster1660]

That’s sad. 😢

[@moogle68]

@@paganizondasroadster1660 is it though? I mean, the owner had it for years, so if they really appreciated what they had and wanted to drive it then they would have built it and done so. I think it's a cool example of a time encapsulated icon that the lucky new owner gets to enjoy while simultaneously fulfilling the original owner's intentions. Well, that's assuming that the new owner _does_ end up building and driving the kit... I'm not sure which form it would be more valuable in, but either way it's an amount that is so tremendous that it causes people to overthink and to forget that the car was *made* to be driven, which is also what it was _designed_ to do, so building it and then letting it sit there will make it less reliable than if it were properly broken in.

[@narrowhwy114]

what an incredible deal!

[@doctornrsfnly]

Jason mixes the rhetorical eloquence of Clarkson, the cheeky irreverence of Harris, the historic perspective and deep technical knowledge of Harry Metcalfe combined with superb editing and World class production value.... This is better than any competing automotive content on TV or youtube. Absolutely brilliant....

[@nikolaslarson6891]

The sympathy is Cammisa's own, though.

[@griffins750]

Evidently that’s his goal not necessarily on this particularly series but for Icons he’s stated that his goal is to be better than Top Gear was at its peak, whether he’ll ever reach that remains to be seen (pretty much only because Top Gear’s “peak” was so ridiculously high and they had a whole team of script writers vs just Jason, in fact frankly if we’re speaking in terms of proportionality imo he’s already far surpassed Top Gear.

[@hreeman]

Jason cammisa is all the best bits of clarkson, may, and hammond rolled into one. He deserves wayyyyyyy more views

[@MB-jt9mo]

Big time. He's the rightful successor

[@hoofdpijn]

Agree 100%

[@opmon8980]

He's the only reason why I'm subscribed to this channel lol

[@babyfknblu]

I understand why those 3 are so revered, and I watch old TG all the time - but Jason has something special that none of them could ever touch. Standing on the shoulders of giants, for sure, but to me he reaches so much higher and further in sheer quality content and car nerdery than they ever did. Maybe it's also just a generational thing, though, to be fair.

[@hreeman]

@@babyfknblu Totally agree. I’ve loved Jason since the head2head days(when motortrend content was on yt). At that time the other 3 were still on TG. They might’ve lost their authenticity by that time though. TG was always scripted, but they started leaning a lot more heavily on the scripted bits imo

[@ruffe69]

I've had my 1957 Roadster since 1974, restored in 2004. Since restoration I've driven appox 38,000 miles. Nothing else drives like a 300 SL, unfortunately 95% of the cars are never driven and if they are its around town miles or up and down the trailer. his is one of the best videos I've seen about the car.

[@ChieftainHawke]

Make sure your kids & grandkids know how precious this car is. Keep it in the family forever

[@alexhernandez9918]

My respects to you. Gems like this should belong to folks that appreciate it.

[@dimasakbar7668]

Thank you VERY VERY much for sharing the beauty and engineering marvel to wider folks in your vincinity, i hope seeing one in real life sparks interest in some kids, or made the day for some enthusiasts. Hope you take a lot of parking coffee breaks

[@pastorofmuppets325]

Is it just me, or is a 34 Gallon fuel tank ENORMOUS on this little car? Surely the mileage isn't that bad is it? I realize these were designed to be racecars, so the large fuel tank makes sense. However, one half that size, & some storage would have made more sense wouldn't it?

[@marcryvon]

@@pastorofmuppets325 Major point to repear and repeat: designed to be racecars, designed to be racecars. See ?

[@BassicVIC]

That footage at the last minutes is gold. Finally someone on KZbin had the decency to let the car be heard and speak for herself - without talking over her . Pure music.

[@daro9582]

I just wanted to compliment you on your German pronunciation and accent, just perfectly done well spoken German, surprisingly rare in a time where everyone can research the proper pronunciation in 2 minutes Thank you

[@sterlinghatton7687]

GOD. I love that Jason is making it through the outer edges of my automotive psyche. Cannot wait until he tickles my weird humor with a Piëch/W8 Manual Wagon episode.

[@JiPappaJi]

Still waiting Carmudggeon about that lol!

[@ervin7178]

@@JiPappaJi it will happen when Derek actually turns 94

[@giorgio.]

Speaking of Piëch, I think a video on on Phaeton is in order. Proper special car.

[@guillaumee1878]

I'm addicted to these videos, thanks a lot for the hard work guys

[@powEnvy]

ratio

[@gtoger]

That is one gorgeous car. Thanks Hagerty & Jason for the fantastic content. Keep it coming!

[@woodendoorgarage]

Funny thing. In reality it is smallish car with weird fins over the wheel arches and slightly wrong proportions. Roadsters are much better but still not the most beautiful cars. What will really stun you is the engine compartment. The complexity and engineering that went into it is absolutely amazing for 1950s and with front sheet metal off the car, it really looks like Le Manes special because it is! The cylinder head, break booster and injection system are directly derived from late WWII aircraft technology and it shows.

[@michaelrountree7204]

The sound coming from the exhaust is exceptional

[@MisAnnThorpe]

I think I slightly prefer the not entirely dissimilar looking Jensen 541.

[@NoelKunz]

The framing of the shot at 1:05 with the gull wings behind Jason shows just how thought out and quality this production is. I can't get enough of this channel!

[@bigguy321]

Dang. I missed that the first time around. It's like Jason's got angel's wings.

[@alsa4real]

Awesome detail

[@kyronrc]

This is the best car series on youtube. Period.

[@pbjracing14yearsago49]

Maybe the same as ICONS also made by Cammisa

[@dotlaj]

Not even close but good and better than most.

[@GRSEMETROMALL]

Quit while you’re on top, always a good strategy; you will FOREVER be the victor.

[@rjmari]

But by that logic, this channel should shut down.

[@GRSEMETROMALL]

@@rjmari ? I’m talking about Mercedes shutting down program. And you talking about what? Are you the type of person that comments just to comment?

[@beersforever]

@@GRSEMETROMALL he is talking about this channel being on top of car content

[@GRSEMETROMALL]

@@beersforever I understood, just the leap that was made. And from left field………

[@rjmari]

@@GRSEMETROMALL Jesus Christ, dude. Remind me not to ever interact with you ever again.

[@BennyHolden-ls7sj]

To put the achievement of Mercedes 300SL success into perspective, is something that very very few manufacturers ever managed never mind right from the word go! It was only 7 years after WW2 that a car appeared out of nowhere that was an engineering master piece and had innovations fitted to it that were years ahead of its time, and then won every race bar its first ever showing and then was ruthlessly finished off (no manufacturer on the planet would even think about doing that now!), an iconic classic that never seems to age, a fantastic achievement by any standards, you can clearly tell at the end how special this car really is!

[@thadsgudenuff]

I was smiling the whole time watching this video until the ride-along, then I teared up. Thank you so much for this video! My very first car was a 190 sl, while not a 300 sl, it still had it's charms.

[@CinemaAtv]

That is quite a first car!

[@alphamaledriveshard]

Finally! A proper straight six in this series. With a manual transmission as well. I could barely wait till the end to drool over the POV driving footage.

[@MrGaryGG48]

I'd sure like to know where that road is. There's one VERY much like it about 20 minutes from my home in Sonoma County, Northern California. Oh, and a little something to tweek everyone a bit. In 1967, Torvick Mercedes had a 300SL on the showroom floor, listed for $6750!!! You could buy a new Chevy or Ford then, for about $2500 so that used Mercedes was priced proportionally to a modern day Ferrari.

[@tomfogle9607]

@@MrGaryGG48 Pretty sure there's a wink in your comment. Every Sonoman car enthusiast knows of a road that was named after a British electrics company. Or someone else... No, not that guy.😁

[@youngrody2386]

the 300 SL has been one of the sleekest cars to have ever been conceptualize in history. It's amazong that engineers are capable of creating it in the 50s no less

[@phantom0456]

Jason, your German impressions are hilarious. Love these Revelations clips! The Gullwing truly was/is a work of art. That six sounds absolutely glorious, and the body is gorgeous.

[@gravity45b]

I'm glad you mentioned that the 300SL was the first car with direct injection decades ahead of it being everywhere now. It's crazy how far ahead of its time it was

[@shanavlakaram4919]

Cannot describe how much i look forward to the release of these vids

[@themockalove]

The driving footage at the end was straight orgasmic. Excellent video by Cammisa, as usual. We need to protect this national treasure at all costs.

[@houseofno]

As a half German myself, Jason Camissa's German parodies are spot on. Best German-Austrian impersonations since Jay Leno's fun pokes at Arnold Schwarzenegger.

[@Maelstrom8]

The sound of the engine as you took it through the bends at the end was unbelievable. One of the most amazing sounding engines I've ever heard, much less from a vehicle made 70 years ago. Thank you for this gem of a video and this incredible series. They are both masterpieces. Well done, Gents!

[@vertrox3435]

I'd never heard a 300SL being driven before ... nothing could have prepared me for how magical that sound was. And I normally don't like straight sixes.

[@sidforbrains6552]

Another memory lane trip for me today. I sold parts for Mercedes for 25 years in southern California where I met a man named Lynn Yakel. He was president of the Gullwing club and of coarse drove a Gullwing and his wife Carol drove the roadster. I think it was late 80's or early 90's that Ford offered Carol a job in R&D developing alternate fuel engines. They paid her more than both were making at their respective engineering jobs for Northrup. So off they went to the motor city where Lynn could concentrate on making no longer available parts for these amazing machines. My personal favorite was the 300SEL 6.3. A 5 passenger 4 door with air suspension and the 6.3 liter limo motor. It was the fastest production car of the time, 1969 thru 1971 when the US was all about big block power, this thing tore em up....thanks for the memories

[@ryanclark9415]

Jason is absolutely my favorite automotive journalist.

[@Mainsail333]

That was 14 minutes of pure joy with pure ecstasy of driving at the end. I always look forward to an new Jason Cammisa video...

[@Happymali10]

Mister Uhlenhaut also had two Coupes made of the original race car, one of which he used for years to commute from a wealthy suburb to the factory. The car had the race-engine, and 40cm long exhaust pipes with no mufflers, exiting ahead of the door. Mercedes fitted mufflers when the car entered their collection, so they could participate in vintage car events, but Mister Uhlenhaut's neighbors got a mighty early awakening every day for years from the cold-start of an unmuffled race-engine.

[@shannonkillingsworth1941]

Best automotive content available anywhere. The storytelling and subject matter are perfect. Jason's sense of humor and personality, also perfect. Please keep funding content by Jason. Side note request: MR2 vs Fiero

[@kiisu74]

Second the MR2 vs Fiero idea

[@nayrays]

Yes please!

[@Mainsail333]

88 GT Fiero with Getrag 5 speed manual, never should have sold mine....

[@nayrays]

@@Mainsail333 I've got a 87 se with the Duke. It's one hell of a project car.

[@ramblerdave1339]

Keep a fire extinguisher handy, in the Fiero, if using the Iron Duke.

[@ev4n5eli0n01]

Absolutely one of the greatest cars ever made. It’s amazing it did so well with so many “off the shelf” parts. It’s crazy to me that these not only drove great in period, but still drive great even under modern standards.

[@Captain_Coleslaw]

This was a SERIOUSLY good video!!! The 300SL ended up becoming one of the largest automotive Icons, and they never realised it till some guy begged them to build it!

[@ethanjack4298]

Please do more of Jason driving, I love that he respectfully drives vintage cars fast like they were designed for.

[@NinjaWelshman]

One of, if not THE, best looking cars ever made. Stunning!!

[@jl52l46]

I see Hagerty and Jason, I up vote. Thank you for such great content.

[@tristank9821]

I’ve only heard that this is a great car, and I’ve even seen F1 drivers drive and own this. Like: Nico Rosberg. But I never knew WHY this car was good. Thank you Jason for bringing insight into this car.

[@CptRyaffio]

Damn, in Jason Cammisa doing this the world has lost a brilliant voice actor! Your German is damn fine, sir! Thank you for your quality content, from a linguist in Germany.

[@spot997]

Noch besser ist ja fast sein Denglisch, wenn er einen Deutschen nachahmt, der nicht soo fit in Englisch ist. Zum kaputtlachen. Man merkt, dass er jahrelang hier gelebt hat.

[@corysekine-pettite1783]

This show and Icons are so good! I always learn a lot, and Jason's writing and presence are great. Keep it up!

[@novicaradu9030]

I love your German, your different accent impersonations, and the jokes and analogies you make. It's a delight watching this series, with great production . Hats off to you guys!

[@corynrobinson]

The 300SL is by far my favorite classic. I'm jealous you got to see one, let alone drive one. Fantastic series by the way.

[@nicolaslr6881]

When I was a kid I always thought there was a mistake in this old '50's car. There was not a lot of information about it but on paper the performance looked unbelievable even compare to 80's 90's car. After watching this video I realize it is even more incredible. Thanks Jason.

[@ghyslainsabourin780]

Oh my Sweet Lord. The SOUND that thing makes. As beautiful as it looks!

[@elliottharley1386]

My love for this car has only grown after watching this. So impressive. The only pre-'70s car I like!

[@AsinineComment]

Jesus wept... The sound that thing makes is astonishing! Haven't heard one in the metal before, and don't think I've even heard good audio of it from the outside. So, to hear it from the cabin is just, wow...!! Magnificent!

[@zeteclover]

Jason's content cannot be beat. I hope this goes on forever.

[@jetara3082]

I was working with those cars for years, I love them so much, this is way beyond everything else that came out of Germany at this time, even when you do not consider that many mechanical parts are made of leftovers. The Uhlenhaut Coupe, the Big Brother with the Inline double 4 from the GP Cars for me is the greatest Car of the 20th century even in front of the 250 GTO

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

You forgot to mention, "the best resale value......." I met a guy up in Lake George NY, I think he was managing the sagamore island. He drove his to work. What an amazing piece of artwork that vehicle was. My favorite car on the planet is still a Jag XKE e-type, but if I needed just one car, and I needed it to be reliable, the SL would win every time.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

I can’t even accurately describe how consistently impressive this content is. This is legit Hammond/May/Clarkson era top gear level.

[@Dev1nci]

Jason has such an excellent way of observing a contradiction and then telling a story from it.

[@chesspiece81]

Awesome upload as usual Jason. The SL is without question one of the prettiest cars ever made.

[@gbrianjohnson]

I look forward to new Revelations and Icons Videos with Jason. I find myself watching them a second and third time. Thanks Hagerty and Jason!!!!

[@Mantenner]

The attention to detail in these videos are insane. The sweat at 12:56 after being hot in the cabin, for example.

[@sarahdell4042]

Cammisa is hands down the best automotive journalist.

[@hauke4651]

Absolutely OUTSTANDING!!! Amazing in which nasty and absurd way this engine revs !!! It’s a 70year old car and still a racer deep inside! Such a shame most of them are dying quiet in outskirts garages as an invest for the owner only 😪

[@macmurati]

Because of the quality of your videos and your commitment to Jason and his style, I have insured my GTR with Hagerty. I plan to slowly transition all of my classics as their policies come to respective ends. Keep it up guys!

[@dan725]

Jason Cammisa is the best automotive journalist ever.

[@saltzen961]

Oh My Gosh !!! The sound track from the drivers perspective is AMAZING !!!

[@stefman5713]

Dad always had a gullwing in the garage when i was a kid. Growing up riding in that passenger seat was an amazing experience.

[@DaveTseng]

“Roadside battle with a wheel bolt that wouldn’t come off” now that reminds me of something very similar……

[@aydankhaliq2967]

*cough* bottas 2021 Monaco *cough*

[@aaronspink2369]

It's so freaking nice to watch videos from a "KZbinr" you actually does research and reads before making a video, rather than just giving first impressions. There are a million 300SL videos out there, all saying the exact same thing, but this is not one of them! Jason Cammisa is the only automotive journalist I actually care to seek out and the only reason I'm on Hagerty's channel. Also, big props to all the people behind the scenes, because they are killing it, too!!

[@farishanafiah8461]

But then again, Jason have the chance to drive it. Not sure about the rest.

[@matyaskudlacek9306]

Lets all agree that videos with Jason are extremely underrated

[@bari1348]

Oh lordy, I am in love! That last clip of you driving the 300SL was just wonderful. I owned an XK-120 in the mid-sixties. It is amazing how cheap a used one was then. It was fun but oddly primitive in so many ways. The 300SL in production at the same time was a glimpse of the future, superior in almost every respect to the Jaguar. Even then, you couldn't buy a cheap used 300SL.

[@lakersmaster]

Love these hot takes, I wish I know how to do research and presentations like y’all

[@monunyabidness5949]

This quality of film making, narration, direction, production, and the driving at the end, *needs* to feature the BMW 2002, Datsun 240Z, Mazda Miata, Skyline R30, Alfa Romeo GTV 1750, BMW E30 M3, Mercedes W201 2.5- 16 EVOII, Subaru 22B, BMW 507, Mercedes Gelandewagen, Subaru SVX, Shelby Cobra, Macca F1, etc Bravo to all involved.

[@gasmith841]

Back in the 90's I worked for a restoration company here in Europe and had the privilege of working on 2 Gullwing projects. Truly amazing cars and technically fascinating. I can testify that this car can pull from about 25 mph right up to "I'm too scared to go any faster' while constantly having you pressed into the back of your seat. Wonderful

[@gasmith841]

I forgot to add just in 4th gear :)

[@pinkace]

I love this series, I could watch them every day :) Thank you, keep them coming.

[@emergencyexitonly2710]

i am german and hearing the word Schnitzelface made me feel like we should establish something like this in our day to day language

[@humanbeing1675]

Dürfte einer "Hackfresse" nahe kommen...😂

[@drgonzo1963]

Jason actually sounds a bit German. His pronouncation is excellent.

[@humanbeing1675]

@@drgonzo1963 Thats true. He spent some time in Germany...school exchange program I believe.

[@mchristr]

Who would build a car with a tubular space frame when the common practice was stamped sheet metal? Years ago when working for an M-B dealer I drove an early coupe (1954?). Rear visibility was sketchy, it had worn shifter bushings, and some visible corrosion. But the owner didn't want repairs done as he was shipping it somewhere else. A very special car.

[@fredericc9676]

I'm always mesmerized by your vids guy, and I'm a bicycle rider that really hates everything that has a motor.

[@BEGGARWOOD1]

“The S class” didn’t exist when the 300sl was designed . The SL came from the Ponton w180 . The S class name came around in 1972 with the the w116 chassis . Great film though !

[@reddotripoff]

Mark, Good catch. I and the engine was from the W186 "Adenauer"

[@farishanafiah8461]

But at the time, the Ponton was considered as the S-Class, so the relation is still there.

[@user-jf8gd3lv7q]

@@farishanafiah8461 Please, just stop claiming this stupid bullshit about Mercedes-Benz vehicles from that era. "At that time", there wasn't a "S-Class" at Mercedes-Benz, period'! There was the W 116, which was considered as the "big Mercedes" at that time. This has absolutely nothing to do with the much later first S-Class.

[@anaraluca1181]

@@user-jf8gd3lv7q So the W116 was not called S Klasse when it was in production? Is that a later thing. As for sure the W116 is usually called today S-Klasse.

[@gregparsons6867]

Beautiful car, my grandfather bought one and drove it through 3 states until he ran into a road block. Yes it drives at 150 mph. Had a 700 dollar fine back then with is a value of a house, but pulled out the cash and drove off to Canada. My uncle then sold it in 85 for only 125,000 to a owner in Collingwood On.

[@CinemaAtv]

My grandfather also used to own a 300SL. The stories he told of the women, the friends he made and some less fortunate incidents are all amazing. Wish there was a way to find where it ended up.

[@katherinekelly6432]

My great grandmother drove a 1960 W121 190 MB -SL and I'm now the fourth generation carrying on that tradition of SL ownership. I usually don't care for the aesthetic of German design, but I certainly appreciate the engineering. The SL line is the only place I find where the aesthetic almost equals the engineering. Really enjoyed this presentation. Very informative and fun. Does not surprise me Hagerty is coming up on 2 million subscribers if this is an example of their content.

[@joelbrown2107]

The humor of these episodes is so refreshing.. not only beautifully engineered cars but a laugh mixed in, great content keeps me coming back.

[@SkateEverythingProject]

Bit of fried gold this is! Goddamn thank you for this. To hear you ring out this engine that us mere mortals will never likely see was like hearing Beethoven or Bach for the first time.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

It’s hard to believe that Mercedes could do much so soon after the war.

[@1990Thunderbolt]

it's the germans and especially it's the mercedes benz. that's all you have to know.

[@stevemiller1626]

I think they had some meth leftover after the war.

[@glennborrageiro6257]

@@1990Thunderbolt yes truly remarkable considering that at the end of the war in 1945 the country was literally a bomb crater from one end to the other. No power lines no water pipes no railways no bridges factories bombed out and they produced this in the early fifties. In my country South Africa which gained democracy in 1994 without a war fought on its soil and all the infrastructure intact we now have at least weekly power outages, railways barely functioning, our national airline one of the earliest in the world now defunct and general degradation of infrastructure.

[@kingalfaro83]

Another amazing episode! Thanks to everyone involved. Jason makes me love these cars even more then I already did. More please!

[@ChannelTENthousandBC]

I cant believe this is on KZbin, i feel like this is illegal watching thus high quality show for free

[@PaddyMcMe]

13:07 Oh wow. I've never heard a classic car sound like that when accelerating in the cabin. That's incredible. That's my new benchmark for classic cars in terms of acceleration noise from inside the cabin. Anybody think they know something better?

[@stevenkaskel3469]

I owned a 63 E type for 3 yrs when I was younger. The sound of the engine when downshifting from 130 mph was pretty incredible as well as just running thru the gears. 3.8 litre, double overhead cams, triple carbs, cast iron headers and dual exhaust from the manifold straight out the rear. Wish I still had it but feel blessed for at least having had the experience.

[@donealable]

I wouldn't have guessing Jason Cammisa would be so good, but I really enjoy the touch of crass.

[@donealable]

aww.. just finished and no crass.. still talk about glued. Thanks Jason and Hagerty

[@fistfulofswoon]

I have never so eagerly waited for the "test drive section" in this series, and man, it didn't dissapointed. Long live German Cars (until the mid 2000's) Having said this, Jason you're the man, it's great to see a madly in love with automotive art guy like you deliver such fun, informative and well done shows like this...keep up the excellent work.

[@protorandom9097]

I love that you cut out the music for the engine sounds. I realize people will say that "the engine sounds like music" for a lot of cars, but if that's true, then this car is a symphony.

[@TD402dd]

It's also one of the most beautiful sports cars ever built.

[@rogerdsmith]

Years ago I got to drive one, only for a few hundred feet, but I was able to get behind the wheel and step on the gas regardless.

[@ArthurSperotto]

I saw this particular 300SL at the Petersen. Most beautiful example I've seen.. the all-black look is fantastic.

[@Berchol]

I love the automatic captions at the end, when the car is being driven and all you hear is the engine… “oh… so… applause”

[@steve1085]

Being an owner of several newish Benzes I can say for sure that they sometimes choose "nothing"

[@INMATE.EARTHmusic]

Yes , sadly but true , i had a Tear in my Eye watching the vid and thinking by my self " Where is our Sense for Quality gone .... " into Politics ! Where i was young a 10 year old Benz was " just drivin in " as we say . Now a 10 year old Benz is almost done... 😥😎

[@PetrolBeast]

If I'd ever be lucky enough, the original 300 SL is up there on my bucket list!

[@platinumgrit]

Jason Cammissa is absolutely fantastic. He’s like all the best of Top Gear, in one magical human being.

[@literallyshaking8019]

The “spec” on the Gullwing featured in this is absolutely perfect. That deep grey with the wood steering wheel 😍

[@frankcava8073]

Back in the mid 80’s I worked at an aquarium store in San Jose CA. One of our customers had a 1957 Roadster exactly like the one in the video. It was stunningly beautiful. He took for a ride in it once and it was amazing. I wonder what happened to that car?

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Beautiful car. Oh and it sounds like a race car should. Great video and history lesson. Thank you Jason.

[@unknownvinnumber]

Every Revelation episode I watch, makes me want the car he is talking about

[@antxny4022]

Props to jason for pronouncing german words the right way

[@dtsec]

Am I the only one who read the thumbnail as "Kidnapped from the start"?

[@gameboyterrorysta6307]

300sl has the best sounding 6 cylinder engine ever created. Mechanical "clunk" transforming into scream near redline is pure sex.

[@eichler721]

Great video and the 300SL is my favorite old German car. It's behind the Ferrari 250GTO but that's it. Such a great part of history

[@garymcaleer6112]

Harold Derusha (1909-'85) back in the late 60's took me for a ride in his Gullwing. As a kid, I sat there in awe as that car reached 90 mph in 2nd gear! And he had two more gears! :^) But he slowed down. He just wanted me to remember that moment for the rest of my life!

[@GRSEMETROMALL]

Jason you contradicted yourself about the flush headlights And who was responsible for getting them past US regulators. I think it was between Ford and Mercedes; it’s either the Taurus or the world‘s most perfect sedan it can’t be both.

[@nopenever8549]

Ford was pushing hard because they were making bank with the bubbly t-bird sales on Monday after Bill Elliot won or came close on most Sundays. C'mon Brandon

[@houseofno]

The 1984 Lincoln Mark VII is widely considered to be first US production car to be legally certified for composite headlights. The Ford Taurus was still in final stages of development and already had composite lights as designed but had a dual rectangular US legal setup for both cars in case the composite lights were rejected by US regulators.

[@betteroffdeadd]

Direct injection took more than 50 years to come back. Incredible car, incredible tech.

[@dougrobinson8602]

It must have been ludicrously expensive to produce, or Mercedes would have put it on everything.

[@devandrasimanjuntak1646]

which means it’s technically possible to run direct injection without electronic sensors and ECUs. Which is absolutely mind blowing 0_0

[@ltsgarage7780]

I have no idea how this u-tube show got to me But. I really enjoyed it !!! I’ve had a few SL’s in my life. The one I use to drool over in my much younger years was a Silver over Red SL300 just like the one in this video. It sat in a parking lot outside of a Macy’s store. It was actually some guy’s daily driver. Of course it was only maybe 30 to 35 years old back then!! Hell I drive a CLK500 right now and it’s 17 years old with just under a 100,000 miles on it. Perspective it’s all Perspective

[@Greenlightfilming]

This is the best automotive series on KZbin hands down. Thank you for investing the time and money into these shows. They will be around forever.