MERCEDES · MERCEDES 300 · Cars
MERCEDES 300 Common
As of 2025 Q4, 11,440 MERCEDES 300s remain registered in the UK — still a familiar sight on today's roads. That's down from a peak of 13,259 in 2014 Q3 — only 86% of the high-water mark, a loss of about 1,819 cars. Numbers have held broadly steady over recent years rather than falling away — often the mark of a model that owners deliberately preserve. Tellingly, 65% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Common — still a familiar sight, with 11,440 on the road.
Rarer than 15% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Fuel breakdown
Trend
About the 300
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (chassis code W 198) is a two-seat sports car that was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1954 to 1957 as a gullwinged coupé and from 1957 to 1963 as a roadster. The 300 SL traces its origins to the company's 1952 racing car, the W194, and was equipped with a mechanical direct fuel-injection system that increased the power output of its three-liter overhead camshaft straight-six engine. The 300 SL was capable of reaching 260 km/h (162 mph), earning it a reputation as a sports car racing champion and making it the fastest production car of its time. The car's iconic gullwing...
MERCEDES 300 — questions & answers
How many MERCEDES 300 are left in the UK?
As of 2025 Q4, 11,440 MERCEDES 300 were still registered in the UK — 4,035 licensed and on the road, plus 7,405 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the MERCEDES 300 rare?
The MERCEDES 300 is common, with 11,440 still on the road, making it rarer than 15% of the 2,408 UK car models we track.
Is the MERCEDES 300 increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of MERCEDES 300 on UK roads fell by 43 (0.4%).
What fuel do most MERCEDES 300 use?
Most MERCEDES 300 run on petrol — about 83% of those still registered, with the rest split across diesel, gas (lpg), hybrid.
When did the MERCEDES 300 peak?
The MERCEDES 300 peaked at 13,259 registered in 2014 Q3, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.