It’s time to return to the 1960s when chrome gleamed, and engines roared. Our destination is a head-to-head showdown between two automotive icons: the Mercedes-Benz 300SL and the Chrysler 300G. Both cars were released in 1961, but the similarities don’t stop there. The following section will explain what these two iconic vehicles have in common. 

They Weren’t New Releases

By 1961, the Chrysler 300G and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL weren’t new releases from the brand. The Chrysler had evolved from its initial design, but its purpose remained unchanged—pure American muscle. The Mercedes was still years ahead of its competition. Despite not being the newest car on the block, no other German vehicle could compete with the 300SL’s performance and futuristic design. 

In the US, the Chrysler stood out in a sea of comfortable cruisers. While some American cars featured similar power, their handling couldn’t match the 300 G’s performance on winding roads.

Both Cars Went Through Engine Upgrades

Chrysler 300 G’s original Hemi engine was later replaced by the Golden Lion, a 413 cubic inch V8 built for everyday driving. Even though not quite as powerful as the Hemi, this engine packed a serious punch, especially in the low-end. 

Across the Atlantic, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL started with a six-cylinder engine, cleverly tilted to fit beneath the sleek hood, resulting in a surprising 215 hp. 

These Automotive Legends Had Improved Chassis

Underneath the Chrysler 300 G’s exterior, you could witness Chrysler’s torsion-bar suspension, which offered a smooth yet surprisingly responsive ride, making it America’s best-handling car outside of a Corvette. The unit-body construction added to the car’s solidity and reduced interior noise. 

Mercedes-Benz 300SL’s engineers prioritized a lightweight and solid chassis, perfect for a car that could excel on the racetrack. Independent suspension on all four wheels ensured agile handling, while the meticulously engineered rear setup balanced comfort with performance. 

A Remarkable Racing Record

Back in 1955, a team of specially modified C-300s, led by the Flock brothers, turned NASCAR ovals into their playground. Tim Flock, the eventual champion, racked up an astonishing number of wins, showcasing these American muscle cars’ raw power and handling. Fast forward to the 1960s, and souped-up 300G racers dominated the final season of the Daytona Flying Mile. 

The Mercedes-300SL burst onto the scene in 1952, dominating races like the Mille Miglia and the Grand Prix of Berne. Victories piled up at races like the Eifelrennen and the Carrera Panamericana, solidifying the 300SL as a racing legend.

Dedicated Crowd

For years, people took pride in their original 1961. Regularly driven on rallies, the Mercedes-300 SL proves the car’s enduring quality. Across the country, it’s common to find someone finally realizing their dream of owning a 1961 Chrysler 300G, a car they’d coveted for years.

Sure, these two machines are vastly different. But magic comes from driving a car so far ahead of its time. Owners usually express a feeling of exceptional control and connection to the road, a feeling absent in most cars of their era.

Luxurious Feel

Forget the minimalist, lightweight sports cars of the 1950s—the Mercedes-Benz 300SL shattered the mold. It was a luxurious, powerful GT built for conquering open roads like you’d expect a sports car with a high-tech engine, plush interior, and a curb weight exceeding a ton and a half. 

Similarly, the Chrysler 300G redefined the American muscle car. This was not a peaky, high-strung dragster but a powerful, comfortable cruiser that could handle corners with surprising agility.