32. Mercedes-Benz 300SL
The 300 SL (W198) was the first iteration of the SL-Class grand tourer and fastest production car of its day. Manufactured by Daimler-Benz AG, the direct fuel injected production model was based on the company’s highly successful yet somewhat less powerful naturally aspirated, overhead cam straight 6 1952 race car, the W194. With distinctive gull-wing doors, it was introduced in 1954 as a two-seat coupé and was later offered as an open roadster. Over 80% of the car’s total production of approximately 1400 units were sold in the United States, making the 300SL the first Mercedes-Benz widely successful outside its home market.