The last Mercedes-Benz 300SL is for sale

Mercedes-Benz magic

Gullwing doors, a sophisticated straight-six engine and one of the most recognisable silhouettes in automotive history.

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL is one of the sports-car greats, but this one is more special than most – and now it’s for sale.

While Formula One teams gear up for qualifying at this year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, the race to secure this Mercedes-Benz Gullwing will start in the nearby Wynn hotel from 7:30pm (PST) on 22 November. 

It’s expected to fetch $2.5-3.5m when it crosses the block in the RM Sotheby’s sale.

So, what’s significant about this 300SL coupé?

A buzz in the air

This was the final Mercedes-Benz 300SL delivered.

Although it’s much the same as the 1370 steel-bodied examples that came before it, the idea of owning the last Gullwing has understandably given classic car collectors something to get excited about – and a reason to loosen the purse strings.

Star of the show

Chassis 7500079 was completed on 15 May 1957.

A special-order show car, it was displayed at the 1957 Poznań International Fair, in Poland, in June, before it was shipped to the USA, where it was sold to its first private owner.

According to the chassis number and delivery date, this is the final Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing to be delivered, but further research is needed to determine whether it was also the last example built.

Roadgoing racer

Gullwing production began three years earlier, in 1954, after US importer Max Hoffman convinced Mercedes-Benz to build a roadgoing version of its W194 racer.

It didn’t take long for engineers to turn the slippery endurance machine into production reality, and many of its original features were carried over, such as its spaceframe construction.

Much-loved Mercedes

This car stayed out of the spotlight during its early days in America, where it was treasured by just a handful of enthusiasts.

In fact, this four-owner Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing has been with its current custodian for more than 25 years.

The perfect combination?

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL comes with two copies of its factory data card, a document which provides details about the car’s specification when it left the production line.

They reveal that it was finished in Fire Engine Red with a cream-leather interior – just as it is today, 67 years later.

Under the metal

Similarly, this Mercedes-Benz Gullwing retains its original engine, chassis, body, gearbox and more.

The seller believes that this car’s rear axle is original, too, but a bit more research is needed to confirm it.

Top marks

The previous owners’ attention to detail paid off when this Gullwing went up against the best at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2004.

It came third in a class dedicated to Mercedes-Benz 300SLs.

Awesome accessories

Old photographs of this Mercedes-Benz Gullwing are included in the sale, which might help the next owner to learn more about the car’s history.

It also comes with a matching luggage set, which fits neatly behind the seats.

Weekends away

If you want to go on a road trip in the Gullwing, that custom luggage set will surely come in handy, too.

From the outside, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL might look like it has a sizeable boot, but that big hatch is almost entirely taken up by the spare wheel and 100-litre fuel tank.

Under the bonnet

Look under the long bonnet and you’ll find a 3-litre straight-six engine, complete with mechanical fuel injection.

It can propel the Mercedes-Benz 300SL to a top speed of more than 160mph, depending on the final drive ratio.

The Gullwing was the fastest road car of the 1950s.

Step inside

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL’s cream-leather cabin is dominated by its huge, two-spoke steering wheel, which is hinged and folds down to help access.

Behind it, a rev counter and speedometer are set in the stylish, bright-red fascia.

Get a shift on

The gearlever extends far out of the transmission tunnel and the easy-to-use H-pattern shift might feel familiar to those who have driven a 300S.

The Gullwing borrowed some components from the 1950s saloon, including the gearbox, however Mercedes-Benz tweaked the ratios for its use in the 300SL.

Open up

The spaceframe necessitated wide sills and the use of gullwing-style doors. 

They certainly add to the 300SL’s appeal, so long as you can perfect the technique of getting in and out before the next cars and coffee meet-up.

Racing origins

The spaceframe was one of the elements carried over from the W194 racing car.

It kept weight in check while offering plenty of strength and rigidity. 

Most Mercedes-Benz 300SLs were then given steel bodywork, including this example, however 29 aluminium-bodied cars were also built.

Gullwing great

Tempted by this slice of Mercedes-Benz history?

It will be sold at the RM Sotheby’s auction at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel in Nevada on 22 November 2024.

For more information on the last Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing delivered, click here.

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