The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (chassis code W 198) was a two-seat sports car produced by Mercedes-Benz as a gullwinged coupe (1954-1957) and roadster (1957-1963). It was based on the company's 1952 racer, the W194, with mechanical direct fuel-injection which boosted power almost 50% on its 3-litre overhead camshaft straight-6 engine. Capable of reaching a top speed of up to it was both a sports car racing champion and the fastest production car of its time. Mercedes' first use of the designation, referring to the car's racing-bred light tubular frame construction. The 300 SL was voted the "sports car of the century" in 1999.