As a (lucky) passenger in the cockpit of the oldest 300 SL in existence, with Frank Knothe, the man who designed and perfected the SL's to the present day, behind the wheel...

One of the highlights this year will be certainly the delicious weekend I had last week in Marbella, driving in one of the most important racing cars of the 50s, the “Ur” 300 SL (W194), together with a stream of 300 SL Gullwings, 190 SL’s etc, down to the formidable 500 SL of the present day.

Putting this car through its paces was a unique experience...

The Mercedes-Benz Classic team had the event magnificently organised, and it certainly is, or was, an unforgettable experience. Not only because of the cars, but also thanks to the very interesting men I met. But first the car(s): The W 194 is a true racing car, and the car I drove is unique. In fact, the first 300 SL was … scrapped by the factory. The second car, with chassis number 194 010 00002/52 still exists and has remained the property of the firm ever since it was built for the racing season 1951/1952. It is this car – the oldest 300 SL in existence, which now has been lovingly restored and which made its appearance in this event.

The men who designed and restored the cars... 

Of course, as it is a true racing car, and so unique, it was expertly driven by a very fine gentleman which whom I had the privilege of having long conversations during that glorious  weekend, sir Frank Knothe. In the course of his career, he has worked on numerous Mercedes-Benz passenger-car models. Right up to his retirement some four years ago, he directed the development of the SL and SLK model series and his still is active as a consultant with AMG, and has worked with them to develop theSLR further and accompany it towards production. It was great to have this man next to you, driving away as an expert racing driver in the 300 SL, holding the four spoked steering wheel like his predecessors Stirling Moss, Fangio, Kling, and letting the beautiful and painstakingly restored straight six thunder towards higher rev regions, while the car was accelerating with vehemence.   

We will tell you soon a lot more about this car, as we made so many pictures of this unique vehicle. We will also comment about its restoration, as we talked at length with the leader of the Project Team of the W 194, Michael Plag.

I was able to drive all the historic SL's, right up to the present day 500 SL...  

More on Mercedes engineering is also to come, as we also had long talks that weekend with Sir Karl-Heinz Baumann, Senior Manager Strategy, Concepts, Passive Safety at Mercedes-Benz Cars Development in Sindelfingen. Just keep looking at these pages…

Talking about our test cars, we drove the impressive Volvo S80 DrivE and the Mazda 3, with a very eager and willing Diesel engine. More about these cars also soon…  

Hans Knol ten Bensel