1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe

Chassis number 198.040.550368 was completed on May 31, 1955, and delivered as a special order on July 6, 1955, by Max Hoffman's distributors in New York. The car was originally finished in Ivory (DB 608) with an interior in Red (1079) leather, the same color it wears today. It came equipped with chrome Rudge knock-off wheels. The original owner was reportedly Buddy Champlin, the son of Oklahoma oil baron H.H. Champlin. After 28 years, in 1973, Mr. Champlin's 300 SL was listed for sale at $12,000 by the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Tulsa. Mr. David Rogers, a local individual, purchased the car for $10,000. He owned it for a very short time before passing it to Bob Boone, an Oklahoma University student. Boone, in turn, traded the 300 SL to Rennsport Werkstatt, of Tulsa.

Rennsport Werkstatt fitted new pistons, bearings, and chains on the 300 SL, and the valves, water and oil pumps, injection pump, and fuel injectors were all rebuilt. New motor mounts and heating and cooling system pipes were installed, along with a new clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. The interior was re-upholstered in NOS factory leather, which was still available in 1974. At the time of the work, the odometer showed approximately 76,400 original miles.

David Jahimiak purchased the car from Rennsport Werkstatt, who owned the car until 1997, when it was acquired at the Door County Gull Wing Group's annual convention by its present owner. During Mr. Jahmiak's two-decade-long ownership, only about 200 miles were added to the odometer.

The car spent nearly six months being re-commissioned, with virtually every mechanical component disassembled and inspected.

Since owning this 300 SL Gullwing, the owner has driven around 20,000 miles. It still has the factory Rudge wheels and original belly pans, as well as its correct trunk mat, tire gauge, tool kit and folio, complete owner's document case with the full set of manuals, official dealer service manual and parts book, jack and wheel chock, and red side-window folios. It has a period-correct Nardi steering wheel, and correct red leather fitted luggage.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014