1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe

This Mercedes-Benz Gulling was constructed on August 24, 1955 and was originally finished in a Silver Grey Metallic (DB 180) paint scheme with blue leather upholstery and plaid fabric inserts. It was delivered to its first owner, Friedrich Stuckenbröker, on January 7, 1956. It remained with Herr Stuckenbröker for little more than a year, as in summer 1957 it was sold to a US buyer through an American agent in Germany. It was shipped from Hamburg to New York aboard the S.S. Erlangen on September 7, 1957. Upon arrival in the United States, it was delivered to its second owner, Dr. Harry A. Kaplan of Brooklyn, New York. In September 1963, the Gullwing was sold to Helmut F. Geiger of Mountainside, New Jersey. It was registered in New Jersey with the license plate 'IBS 107'. Early in his ownership, Mr. Geiger re-painted the 300 SL white but left the original silver paint on the dashboard.

After the 1970s, the car was rarely driven. It remained with Mr. Geiger, residing in his garage, for over 50 years.

The car is well preserved with the original upholstery and many original components. The speedometer has been converted to miles-per-hour units and the original mileage cannot be verified. The present odometer reading is 33,845 which may reflect the total mileage since it arrived in New York in 1957.

This Gullwing has a Becker Mexico radio, belly pans, and jack, as well as its original service book, parts catalogue, and instruction manual.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014