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Mercedes-Benz produced 1,371 steel-bodied and 29 alloy bodied 300SL Gullwing Coupes between 1954 and 1957.
In 1952, Mercedes-Benz participated in the 2,000-mile road race called the La Carrera Panamericana. 92 entries began the race and by the end, 53 were eliminated. It was an extremely dangerous and grueling adventure. Mercedes-Benz finished in 1-2-3. Unfortunately, John Fitch was disqualified which left Mercedes-Benz with a 1-2 victory. Within a short period of time, Mercedes-Benz received 400 orders for the 155 mph 300SL Gullwing Coupe.
The La Carrera was only the fifth race the 300SLs had entered. The gullwing coupes placed 2nd in the Mille Miglia, 1-2-3 in the Berne, Switzerland Sports Car Race, 1-2 at Le Mans, 1-2-3-4 at the Nürburgring, and 1-2 in Mexico. Since the car had accomplished Mercedes-Benz's vision for the car, the La Carrera was actually an afterthought. They had planned to cease 300SL production before the November race. However, the company's importer in Mexico City and U.S. distributor Max Hoffman in New York, pleaded for an entry.
125 of the first 166 300SLs built in 1954 were sold through Hoffman's New York and Los Angeles dealership. This was the first time a Mercedes was introduced abroad instead of in Germany, making it clear that the United States was the target audience.
In 1954, a Cadillac Eldorado sold new for $5,738. The 300SL retailed for a staggering $6,940, almost 20 percent higher.
After the disaster at Le Mans in 1955, Mercedes-Benz withdrew from racing. Privateers, however, continued to flock to the tracks with their 300SLs, and in many situations, the factory was happy to help them. John Fitch and Olivier Gendebien won their class in the 1955 Mille Miglia, then Gendebien won the Liege-Rome-Liege and Alpine rallies. W.I. Tak won the Tulip Rally, Werner Engle won the European Touring Car Championship, Armando Zampiero won the Italian Sports Car Driver's Championship, and Paul O'Shea won the SCCA's D Production Class in the U.S. In 1956, Prince Metternich finished 6th in the Mille Miglia, Shock and Moll won the Acropolis and Sestriere rallies and the European Rally Championship, Stirling Moss was 2nd in the Tour de France, and Willy Mairesse won the Liege-Rome-Liege race.
This particular 300SL Coupe is a steel bodied, 'matching-numbers' example that was built in August of 1955. It is one of the earliest cars to be fitted with the 'curved' three-pointed star in the grille. The doors, hood, and truck are comprised of aluminum while the rest of the body is made from steel. The engine features a Bosch mechanical fuel injection system, and the engine is canted about 30 degrees to enable the hood line to be brought down.
To make the most of the rear space in the interior of the car, there is fitted luggage. The streamlined belly pans, which assisted the car to its top speed, also serve a function purpose by containing the engine heat.
This example was owned until 1964 by a body shop mechanic at Loeber Mercedes-Benz in Lincolnwood, and then passed to Josef L. Klingler. Klingler campaigned the car in several SCCA vintage events from 1987–1989. Later, Mr. Steven Schultz acquired the Gullwing in 2004. Schultz kept the car until 2012, when he sold it to the present owner.
The car has recently been disassembled and repainted in red. The chrome has been replated. The odometer currently shows 53,943 miles. It has its black leather interior and fitted luggage, and is also equipped with the factory belly pan. There is a Nardi steering wheel, correct Becker Mexico radio, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a four-speed manual gearbox.
In 2013, this car was offered for sale at RM Auctions Scottsdale, Arizona sale. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $847,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013
In 1952, Mercedes-Benz participated in the 2,000-mile road race called the La Carrera Panamericana. 92 entries began the race and by the end, 53 were eliminated. It was an extremely dangerous and grueling adventure. Mercedes-Benz finished in 1-2-3. Unfortunately, John Fitch was disqualified which left Mercedes-Benz with a 1-2 victory. Within a short period of time, Mercedes-Benz received 400 orders for the 155 mph 300SL Gullwing Coupe.
The La Carrera was only the fifth race the 300SLs had entered. The gullwing coupes placed 2nd in the Mille Miglia, 1-2-3 in the Berne, Switzerland Sports Car Race, 1-2 at Le Mans, 1-2-3-4 at the Nürburgring, and 1-2 in Mexico. Since the car had accomplished Mercedes-Benz's vision for the car, the La Carrera was actually an afterthought. They had planned to cease 300SL production before the November race. However, the company's importer in Mexico City and U.S. distributor Max Hoffman in New York, pleaded for an entry.
125 of the first 166 300SLs built in 1954 were sold through Hoffman's New York and Los Angeles dealership. This was the first time a Mercedes was introduced abroad instead of in Germany, making it clear that the United States was the target audience.
In 1954, a Cadillac Eldorado sold new for $5,738. The 300SL retailed for a staggering $6,940, almost 20 percent higher.
After the disaster at Le Mans in 1955, Mercedes-Benz withdrew from racing. Privateers, however, continued to flock to the tracks with their 300SLs, and in many situations, the factory was happy to help them. John Fitch and Olivier Gendebien won their class in the 1955 Mille Miglia, then Gendebien won the Liege-Rome-Liege and Alpine rallies. W.I. Tak won the Tulip Rally, Werner Engle won the European Touring Car Championship, Armando Zampiero won the Italian Sports Car Driver's Championship, and Paul O'Shea won the SCCA's D Production Class in the U.S. In 1956, Prince Metternich finished 6th in the Mille Miglia, Shock and Moll won the Acropolis and Sestriere rallies and the European Rally Championship, Stirling Moss was 2nd in the Tour de France, and Willy Mairesse won the Liege-Rome-Liege race.
This particular 300SL Coupe is a steel bodied, 'matching-numbers' example that was built in August of 1955. It is one of the earliest cars to be fitted with the 'curved' three-pointed star in the grille. The doors, hood, and truck are comprised of aluminum while the rest of the body is made from steel. The engine features a Bosch mechanical fuel injection system, and the engine is canted about 30 degrees to enable the hood line to be brought down.
To make the most of the rear space in the interior of the car, there is fitted luggage. The streamlined belly pans, which assisted the car to its top speed, also serve a function purpose by containing the engine heat.
This example was owned until 1964 by a body shop mechanic at Loeber Mercedes-Benz in Lincolnwood, and then passed to Josef L. Klingler. Klingler campaigned the car in several SCCA vintage events from 1987–1989. Later, Mr. Steven Schultz acquired the Gullwing in 2004. Schultz kept the car until 2012, when he sold it to the present owner.
The car has recently been disassembled and repainted in red. The chrome has been replated. The odometer currently shows 53,943 miles. It has its black leather interior and fitted luggage, and is also equipped with the factory belly pan. There is a Nardi steering wheel, correct Becker Mexico radio, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a four-speed manual gearbox.
In 2013, this car was offered for sale at RM Auctions Scottsdale, Arizona sale. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $847,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013
2013 RM Auctions - Arizona
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $800,000-USD $900,000
Sale Price :
USD $847,000
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
(Data based on Model Year 1955 sales)
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.5500048 Sold for USD$1,380,000 2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe Chassis#: 198.040.5500120 Sold for USD$1,545,000 2024 Broad Arrow : Monterey | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.5500656 Sold for USD$1,545,000 2024 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' Coupé Chassis#: 1980405500152 Sold for USD$1,473,679 2024 Bonhams : Goodwood Festival of Speed | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe Chassis#: 198.040.5500418 Sold for USD$1,545,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING Chassis#: 198.040.5500666 Sold for USD$1,765,000 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Papillon' Chassis#: 198.040 5500130 Sold for USD$1,539,554 2024 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.5500289 Sold for USD$1,737,500 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.5500078 Sold for USD$1,466,139 2023 RM Sothebys : Villa Erba | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Sold for USD$1,815,000 2023 Mecum : Glendale | |
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING Chassis#: 198.040.5500031 Sold for USD$1,737,500 2023 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island Auction | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Sold for USD$1,650,000 2023 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing' Coupe Chassis#: 1980405500263 Sold for USD$1,700,000 2022 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Auburn Auction | |
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING Chassis#: 198.040.5500784 Sold for USD$2,040,000 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing Chassis#: 198.043.5500786 Sold for USD$5,010,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.5500693 Sold for USD$2,040,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.5500243 Sold for USD$1,710,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing Chassis#: 198.043.5500332 Sold for USD$6,825,000 2022 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING Chassis#: 1980405500347 Sold for USD$1,870,000 2022 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale, Arizona | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Sold for USD$2,640,000 2022 Mecum : Kissimmee |
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwings That Failed To Sell At Auction
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | 1980405500263 | 2024 Mecum : Monterey | $1,700,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,500,000 |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500681 | 2024 RM Sothebys : Dare to Dream | $1,600,000 | $2,000,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500753 | 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | $1,500,000 | $1,700,000 | |
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING | 198.040.5500454 | 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | $1,300,000 | $1,500,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500629 | 2023 RM Sothebys : Sealed Bid (November 17) | |||
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING COUPE | 198.040.5500099 | 2020 Bonhams : Quail Motorcar Auction | $1,200,000 | $1,350,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500457 | 2020 Gooding & Company : Geared Online | $1,200,000 | $1,400,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500553 | 2020 Gooding & Company : Scottsdale Arizona | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Custom Gullwing Coupe | 1S9GR11T078879005 | 2019 Worldwide Auctioneers : Riyadh Auction | $1,000,000 | ||
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL (W198) Brabus Restoration | 2019 Silverstone Riyadh Car Show | ||||
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé | 198.040-55 00295 | 2019 Bonhams : The Bonmont Sale | $1,100,000 | $1,400,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500156 | 2019 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | $1,500,000 | $1,800,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500154 | 2019 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona | $1,200,000 | $1,400,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500799 | 2018 RM Sothebys : London | $950,000 | $1,250,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | 1980405500154 | 2018 Mecum : Monterey | $1,000,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,400,000 |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500626 | 2017 RM Sotheby's : Arizona Auction | $1,350,000 | $1,500,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé | 00810 | 2015 Bonhams : Bond Street Motor Car Sale | $1,000,000 | $1,300,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Sportabteilung Gullwing | 198.040.5500640 | 2015 RM Sotheby's NY Auction : Driven By Distruption | $5,000,000 | $7,000,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | 198.040-5500129 | 2015 Historics at Brookland | $925,000 | $1,125,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing | 198.043.5500786 | 2015 RM Sotheby's : Monterey | $5,500,000 | $6,500,000 | |
1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL papillon | 198.040.5500278 | 2015 Rétromobile by Artcurial Motorcars | $1,200,000 | $1,300,000 | |
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING | 2014 Mecum Dallas | $1,200,000 | |||
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | 198.040.5500674 | 2013 RM Auctions Amelia Island | $910,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,250,000 |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy Gullwing | 198.043-5500786 | 2012 RM Auctions London | $2,400,000 | ||
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 2010 Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auctions | $550,000 | $650,000 | ||
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe | 1980404500032 | 2010 RM Auctions Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook | $460,000 | $475,000 | $575,000 |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | GW1006 | 2009 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Houston Classic Auction | $125,000 | $150,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing | 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island | $375,000 | $475,000 | $550,000 | |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe | 2009 Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale | $510,000 | |||
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe | 2009 Automobiles of Arizona | $500,000 | $600,000 | $700,000 |
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1956 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Coachwork by Carrozzeria Boano Chassis#:0543GT Sold for $1,133,000 2017 Bonhams : Quail Lodge | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#:198.040.7500077 Sold for $1,144,000 2017 RM Auctions : Amelia Island |
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
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