The 300 SL traces its origin back to a racing sports car, the Mercedes-Benz W194. Daimler-Benz decided to race in 1951, and built a sports car for this purpose.
Mercedes' largest engine was developed: the M186, shared by the 300 "Adenauer" saloon (W186) and the luxury 300 S two-seat tourer (W188).
Racing successes in 1952 were somewhat surprising as the W194 engine was fitted only with carburetors, producing 175 hp (130 kW) – less than competing cars by Ferrari and Jaguar and the 300 SL road car introduced in 1954. Low weight and low aerodynamic drag made the W194 fast enough to be competitive in endurance races.