16. Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

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The Mercedes-Benz 300SL, which was released as a roadster and a coupe, almost wasn’t manufactured. This race car was only put into production because of the relentless campaigning of Maxi Hoffman. 

What is most distinguishable about this car is its iconic gullwing doors. Some car enthusiasts believe the 300SL to be the world’s first-ever supercar, but this belief is often contested in the automotive world. Curiously, there were 29 aluminum models built that are estimated to be worth four times the price of their more common steel counterparts. 

The Mercedes 300SL instantly garnered significant attention when it was launched in 1954 at the New York International Motor Show. Decades later, in 1999, the Mercedes 300SL was voted “car of the century.” Besides its gullwing doors, the interior of this cool car was luxurious with unique checkered pattern seating that was in later models replaced by leather upholstery.

SL is short for super light as the coupe had a curb weight of 3,300 pounds and the roadster models had a curb weight of 3,660 pounds. Interestingly, this racing car was engineered to be built over a space frame chassis, and its body was designed to be flat and graceful, which is why it was aerodynamic. 

The Mercedes 300SL was equipped with a powerful fuel-injected straight-six engine that could produce a horsepower rating of 215. It had a top speed of 163 mph and could reach 60 mph in 7.4 seconds.

17. DeLorean DMC-12

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If you have seen the Hollywood blockbuster film Back to the Future, it’s highly likely you know the Delorean DMC 12. This legendary sports car was produced from 1981 until 1983, with its most distinguishable features being its stainless steel body paneling and gullwing doors.