1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

Widely regarded as the greatest sportscar of the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe, with its iconic gullwing doors, established a precedent for the post-war sportscar. Immediately recognizable, the 300SL set the imagination aflame. It was, in many respects, the ultimate vehicle in which to chauffeur someone around. What about heads of state?

Conceived in 1952, the first iteration of the coupe went on to victory at Le Mans. Rudolf Uhlenhaut realized there was still plenty of room for improvement and he would go to work with Joseph Muller designing a lighter-weight version of the victorious Le Mans car. The result would be the iconic gullwing doors and a shape that would be recognizable the world over for generations to come.

Initially, the car was being developed for racing purposes. However, a decision would be made to build a sports car for the public based upon the techniques and advancements made from motor racing.

The coupe's design was well-founded. First, the SLs would achieve victory at Le Mans and in a number of other races. Then came the 300SLR. Victories at some of the most grueling events in the world only solidified the reputation of the 300 series sports car.

Chassis 0545 would be completed in July of 1955 and finished in Fire Brigade Red, or Feuerwehrrot. With an interior trimmed in red and red plaid cushions, this car was not easily overlooked, just as the 300SL was not a car that could be easily mistaken.

Rare among the gullwing coupes, this particular example was not destined for dealerships in the United States. Instead, the car would make its way to London. Besides the bright interior and exterior finish nearly every aspect of the car would be specially-ordered. This would include instruments in English, different rear axle ratio and other little details.

The car's first owner wouldn't be run-of-the-mill either. In the mid-1950s there was little concern for demographics and reputation with classes. This would be proven when The Right Honourable Lord Terence O'Neill, Baron O'Neill of the Maine became the car's first owner.

Serving in the Irish Guards during World War II and serving as a politician in Northern Ireland afterward, O'Neill was already serving as Prime Minister when he made the purchase.

The car would remain with the Prime Minister for a handful of years before it went on to be sold to a Mr. Lee and then a Mr. Handel. Then, at some point in the 1970s, the Mercedes would make its way to the United States and Los Angeles resident Max Spitznagel. Soon afterward, Friedrich H. Wegener would purchase the coupe. At the time, the car retained its interior and exterior finish. However, the car was in need of some repair. Wegener would never get around to it and the car would sit idle until 2005 when restorer Scott Grundfor obtained the car.

Immediately a full restoration would commence. An exhaustive history file would be created documenting the entire process. Over a year and a half of time and effort would go into nearly every square inch of the car. When completed, the mechanicals of the car would be sorted and the Fire Brigade Red finish would remain.

A great deal of the car remains highly original. The drivetrain, engine and even the plaid seat cushions all remain. Period correct luggage have been added while all of the books, history file, tools and other specific details all help to complete the picture.

Iconic and immediately recognizable, 0545 remains a fine example of the famed Mercedes-Benz. Offered at Bonhams' 2015 Arizona auction, the Mercedes-Benz would be a highlight of the event, eventually earning a sale price of $1,375,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Jeremy McMullen