1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL claimed 2nd in the Mille Miglia; 1-2-3 in the Berne, Switzerland, Sports Car Race; 1st and 2nd at Le Mans; 1-2-3-4 at the Nürburgring; and 1st and 2nd at La Carrera Panamericana. The success in racing spawned a road going version, complete with fascinating gullwing doors, which were necessitated by the unusual frame design. The engine's carburetors were replaced with a fuel injection system, and the Bosch mechanical unit would be the first for a production car. After the 11 prototype W194s, including the so-called 'Hobel,' were made in all-alloy, the new Karl Wilfert-designed body was largely made of steel. The hood, doors, and trunk lids were made from aluminum. Bumpers with over-riders were given to U.S.-spec cars, but optional for the rest of the world.

The SL had a welded tubular-steel ultra-light frame construction, weighing just 182 pounds. The suspension was a fully independent setup, the engine a 3-liter overhead cam straight six with dry-sump lubrication, and could race from zero-to-sixty in approximately eight seconds.

The 300 SL made its debut in the United States, not in Germany, which was a Mercedes-Benz first. More than 1,000 of the 1,400 cars produced between 1954 and early 1957 where delivered through Hoffman.

In the racing area, it was driven by such legendary drivers as John Fitch, Olivier Gendebien, Paul O'Shea, Prince Metternich, and Sir Stirling Moss.

This particular 300 SL was on display at the 1956 Turin International Automobile Salon. It left the factory finished in Silver Grey Metallic (180), with a special-order red leather interior (1079) and optional Rudge wheels.

In the late 1960s, the car was discovered in West Nyack, New York by Jan Fraser. He eventually sold the car to Dr. Leon Levine, who would keep it for decades. The present owner acquired the car, in whose care it was given a body-on restoration. The car was re-upholstered in blue leather. The car rides on the original Rudge knock-offs with disc wheels.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014