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Racing certainly enhances the breed, and Mercedes-Benz had an enviable resume, claiming 2nd in the Mille Miglia, 1-2-3 in the Sports Car Race in Berne, Switzerland, 1st and 2nd at Le Mans, 1-2-3-4 at the Nürburgring, and 1st and 2nd at La Carrera Panamericana. Even with their long list of accomplishments, Mercedes-Benz wanted more. The company's U.S. distributor, Max Hoffman, noticed a need and desire for a fast, Mercedes-Benz coupe, and a production version of the racing 300 SL, complete with the exotic 'gullwing' doors.
The 'SL' moniker - meaning Sport Light in English - reflected the use of a welded, tubular-steel, ultra-light frame construction that weighed a mere 182 pounds. The car had a fully independent suspension and a fuel-injected, 3.0-liter, OHC, straight-six with dry-sump lubrication. In an effort to reduce the height of the front end, the engine was inclined to the side. It offered 240 brake horsepower (SAE) with the factory-optional or dealer-installed 'sport' camshaft. Top speed was achieved at just over 160 mph and zero-to-sixty was accomplished in approximately eight seconds.
The production 300 SL made its debut in the United States, which was a Mercedes first. Roughly 1,400 examples were produced between 1954 and 1957 with more than 1,000 of those going to the United States.
This particular example, chassis number 198.040.4500080, was completed on November 18th of 1954 and shipped to New York City on November 24. It was acquired in early 1955 through suburban Detroit dealer Falvey Motors, of Ferndale, Michigan, by José J. Calvillo. The car was originally finished in Light Blue (DB 334) over a Blue vinyl and plaid (L1) interior. Amusingly, by the time the car arrived at Falvey Motors, however, it was apparently finished in Dark Green. Mr. Calvillo had ordered the car in Silver. Since he had waited about six months to take possession of the car, he took the car.
Ownership of the car later passed to Fred T. Haddock, on Ann Arbor. Years later, it passed to Rudi Koniczek of Victoria, British Columbia. Mr. Koniczek has been in the business of restoring Gullwings for over 40 years. This example was given a restoration by Mr. Koniczek, bringing it back to original factory standards. The exterior was refinished in a deep coat of Black, with an interior of Dark Green vinyl and plaid seats, both correct colors included in Mercedes-Benz 1954 livery offerings.
In early 2011, this car was acquired by a Montecito, California resident.
This car has a matching set of luggage, a complete tool kit, and a set of owner's manuals.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2016
The 'SL' moniker - meaning Sport Light in English - reflected the use of a welded, tubular-steel, ultra-light frame construction that weighed a mere 182 pounds. The car had a fully independent suspension and a fuel-injected, 3.0-liter, OHC, straight-six with dry-sump lubrication. In an effort to reduce the height of the front end, the engine was inclined to the side. It offered 240 brake horsepower (SAE) with the factory-optional or dealer-installed 'sport' camshaft. Top speed was achieved at just over 160 mph and zero-to-sixty was accomplished in approximately eight seconds.
The production 300 SL made its debut in the United States, which was a Mercedes first. Roughly 1,400 examples were produced between 1954 and 1957 with more than 1,000 of those going to the United States.
This particular example, chassis number 198.040.4500080, was completed on November 18th of 1954 and shipped to New York City on November 24. It was acquired in early 1955 through suburban Detroit dealer Falvey Motors, of Ferndale, Michigan, by José J. Calvillo. The car was originally finished in Light Blue (DB 334) over a Blue vinyl and plaid (L1) interior. Amusingly, by the time the car arrived at Falvey Motors, however, it was apparently finished in Dark Green. Mr. Calvillo had ordered the car in Silver. Since he had waited about six months to take possession of the car, he took the car.
Ownership of the car later passed to Fred T. Haddock, on Ann Arbor. Years later, it passed to Rudi Koniczek of Victoria, British Columbia. Mr. Koniczek has been in the business of restoring Gullwings for over 40 years. This example was given a restoration by Mr. Koniczek, bringing it back to original factory standards. The exterior was refinished in a deep coat of Black, with an interior of Dark Green vinyl and plaid seats, both correct colors included in Mercedes-Benz 1954 livery offerings.
In early 2011, this car was acquired by a Montecito, California resident.
This car has a matching set of luggage, a complete tool kit, and a set of owner's manuals.By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2016
2018 RM Sothebys : Monterey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,400,000-USD $1,600,000
Sale Price :
USD $1,380,000
2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,500,000-USD $1,800,000
Lot was not sold
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
(Data based on Model Year 1954 sales)
1954 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING Chassis#: 198.040.4500090 Sold for USD$1,600,000 2022 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island Auction | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.4500034 Sold for USD$1,178,638 2020 RM Sothebys : Paris | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Sold for USD$1,089,601 2019 Silverstone - Classic Cars & Competition Cars | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.4500080 Sold for USD$1,380,000 2018 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.4500128 Sold for USD$1,155,000 2018 Gooding & Company : Scottsdale, Az. | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.4500116 Sold for USD$1,358,500 2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.4500120 Sold for USD$1,045,000 2016 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | |
1954 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING COUPE Chassis#: 198.040.4500105 Sold for USD$1,166,000 2015 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction | |
1954 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING COUPE Chassis#: 198.040.4500130 Sold for USD$1,347,500 2014 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing AMG Chassis#: 198.040.4500125 Sold for USD$1,117,353 2014 RM Auctions : Monaco | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe Sold for USD$871,714 2012 Coys Auction - Monaco 'Legende et Passion' | |
1954 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING Chassis#: 4500129 Sold for USD$2,200,000 2012 Barrett-Jackson at Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Chassis#: 1980404500049 Sold for USD$544,500 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL AMG Coupé Chassis#: 1980404500066 Sold for USD$755,416 2009 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Sold for USD$605,000 2008 Gooding & Company | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Sold for USD$365,318 2006 Coys Auction -Grandes Marques - Maastricht | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe Sold for USD$209,000 2002 Monterey Sports and Classic Car Auction |
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé | 198.040.4500049 | 2019 Bonhams : Goodwood Members Meeting | $800,000 | $1,000,000 | |
1954 Merecedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | 4500024 | 2016 Rick Cole : Monterey | $1,400,000 | $1,600,000 | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.4500101 | 2016 Gooding & Company : The Scottsdale Auction | $1,200,000 | $1,400,000 | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.4500080 | 2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | $1,500,000 | $1,800,000 | |
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.4500003 | 2014 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach Concours | $3,500,000 | $4,500,000 |
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1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
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