Historical Overview
The first production car with fuel injection — and the first supercar of the jet age.
Born of the 1952 Le Mans-winning W194, the road-going W198 arrived in 1954 as the fastest production car in the world. The Bosch mechanical fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication and space-frame chassis made it a moving showcase of Daimler engineering.
Design
Form as intent.
The trellis chassis dictated the theatrical upward-hinged doors. Body panels in steel, with select all-aluminium examples commissioned for competition-minded clients.
Historical Significance
Why it endures.
1,400 coupés built between 1954–1957. Delivered on both sides of the Atlantic to actors, industrialists and privateer racers. A touchstone of automotive design.
Restoration Notes
Preservation over perfection.
Rust in the outriggers and floors is the primary concern. Correct Rudge knock-off wheels and plaid interiors are hallmarks of an authentic example.
Collector Notes
The state of the market.
Alloy-bodied cars (29 built) trade at a substantial multiple of the steel cars, often exceeding US$6 million.
