Classic Driver (Enlarge photo)

09/07/2008 15:30. Palawan Press will need little introduction to Classic Driver readers. When a subject is covered by the London-based publisher, you just know it will be done superbly. The latest volume on the iconic ‘Gullwing’ is no exception.

Keeping to the familiar no-expense-spared formula, the 318-page book tells the story of the fabulously expensive GT cars from their inception as racing cars in the early post-War period, to the fortuitous decision by Mercedes’ American agent, Max Hoffman, to order 1000 roadgoing examples of what would have been the company’s 1953 competition machine. The timing of this was perfect as Mercedes had also developed the more everyday 190 SL; so the similarly styled - but outrageously expensive - 300 SL was the perfect ‘older brother’ for what marketing... // Classic Driver