One of the Rarest Competition-Bred 300 SL Alloy Gullwings to Be Sold through Sealed Bid with RM Sotheby's and Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

March 21, 2024 by RM Sothebys

Considered to be an absolute masterpiece by Mercedes-Benz and one of the most original, purest examples of the mere 29 300 SL Alloy Competition prepared examples in existence, this chassis number 5500332 is currently open for bidding on Sotheby's Sealed and closes 22 March.

• The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, one of the rarest and most historically significant variants of the Gullwing, is now open for bidding on Sotheby's Sealed

• Considered as one of the purest and most original examples in existence

• Delivered new to Casablanca as the only 300 SL Alloy delivered to Africa

• One of only 29 Alloy Gullwings made, it features a lightweight aluminum body and enhanced performance

• Powered by an original factory prepared 3.0-liter NSL engine delivering over 215 horsepower

• Retains desirable competition factory features such as sports suspension, NSL engine, and Rudge wheels

• Previously owned for 32 years by Hyatt Cheek, President of the 300 SL Gullwing Group International

• Verified by Mercedes-Benz Classic as retaining original chassis, engine, and bodywork

• Currently available for inspection at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Long Beach, California, to view their website, click here

• View video here

Sotheby's Sealed is proud to offer one of the most original and significant competition-prepared Alloy Gullwings in existence, marking an unrepeatable opportunity for sophisticated collectors. This exceptional car is being offered through Sotheby's Sealed, and bidding will conclude on 22 March at 5 p.m. EDT. Nearly 1,400 300 SL Gullwings were produced in total; however, only 29 examples were finished with racing features and aluminum coachwork. All 29 cars are held in important collections around the globe, and highly original examples such as the car presented here are almost non-existent. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, is a symbol of unparalleled innovation, beauty, and the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.

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A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

This exceptional vehicle is one of just 29 Alloy Gullwings ever produced by Mercedes-Benz, setting it apart from its 1,371 steel-bodied counterparts. Its lightweight aluminum bodywork and Plexiglas cabin windows contribute to a significant weight reduction, enhancing both its rarity and performance. The car's original 3.0-liter NSL engine propels it with over 215 horsepower thanks to comprehensive modifications, including a competition camshaft and a unique butterfly throttle valve. Additionally, this vehicle boasts a unique provenance as it was delivered new to Casablanca, making it the only 300 SL Alloy delivered to Africa.

What makes this Alloy Gullwing even more unique is its retention of numerous desirable factory features such as sports suspension, a high-speed 3.42 rear axle, an uprated metric speedometer, belly pans, and standard-fitted Rudge wheels. Its provenance is further enriched by its 32-year ownership under Hyatt Cheek, a figure synonymous with Mercedes-Benz heritage as the national president of the Gullwing Group and MBCA.

Underlining its distinction, chassis number 5500332 has maintained an exceptional level of originality, boasting its original chassis, engine, bodywork, rear axle, and front kingpins. Though the gearbox is a correct-type replacement, dated 1957, its authenticity is unquestioned, replaced during a meticulous restoration overseen by the esteemed Paul Russell in 1979. The car's association with Paul Russell's workshop since 1975—a name revered in the restoration of classic automobiles—underscores its extraordinary maintenance record and desirability. This Alloy Gullwing's rarity, augmented by its significant performance enhancements and impeccable provenance, sets it apart as a pinnacle of automotive history.

This offering represents an unrepeatable opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of Mercedes-Benz's iconic legacy. The 300 SL Alloy Gullwing is not just a car, it is a symbol of unparalleled innovation, beauty, and the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.

Interested parties are invited to partake in this rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive excellence. This Alloy Gullwing awaits its next custodian to appreciate and preserve its legacy for generations to come.