Two Legends
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was born a race car, with its now coveted curves and space-frame chassis originally being created to ensure the car reigned superior in motorsport.
As the company transitioned its racing pedigree into commercial success, the 300SL won the hearts of 20th century icons. Many were helplessly drawn to the car, either for its technical advancements or simply because of its breathtaking beauty.
Steve McQueen and Pablo Picasso, are two such icons, driven by their passions.
Steve McQueen
Actor Steve McQueen brought his love for motorsport to the silverscreen with films like Bullitt, LeMans and Getaway. With a great race track record it was no wonder that the 300SL was his choice for boulevard cruising and the open highway.
Above with wife Neile Adams, the pair pose for an impromptu photo in a New York traffic jam. All three icons confident and attractive. A keen mechanic, off-road motorcycle racer and skilled pilot, McQueen looks completely at home in the 300SL, a car with race car roots that was tamed just enough by Mercedes for the road.
McQueen's first love was motor racing claiming “I'm not sure if I'm an actor who races, or a racer who acts.”
“I’m not sure if I’m an actor who races, or a racer who acts.”
Pablo Picasso
One can't imagine Pablo Picasso being drawn to the powerful engine or swing axle or lightweight tubular spaceframe that made the 300SL one of the most sporting cars of the 20th century. But like McQueen, Picasso did not compromise his pursuit for his passion, working on his craft until his nineties and leaving us to enjoy his masterpieces evermore.
Never one to accumulate possessions, perhaps he kept his 300SL simply for the pleasure of enjoying its beauty.
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”