1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe
2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
240bhp at 6,100rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Factory fitted Rudge-Wheel example
*Matching numbers example retaining original engine and coachwork
*Desirable early Gullwing in iconic livery for model
*Properly maintained and serviced by noted experts including Paul Russell and Lloyd Buck
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING
Instantly recognizable not only by automobile buffs, but virtually anyone on the planet, the immortal 300SL (for Sports Leicht) Gullwing coupe arguably competes for the title of "Greatest Sports Car of the 1950s," and surely qualifies for anyone's Top 10 list of the greatest automobiles of all time. A period favorite of wealthy celebrities, it ranks today among the most valued and collectable sports cars ever produced.
The 300SL coupe was the direct descendant of Mercedes Benz' Le Mans W194 competition coupe, conceived in 1952 and aimed at wresting the World Sportscar Championship from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Lancia, which were dominating post-war endurance racing. Mercedes-Benz historian W. Robert Nitzke writes that company management wanted to jump back into Grand Prix racing, where it had been so successful before the war, but lacked the time necessary to design, build, and develop a new single-seater for the 1954 season. Instead, Chief Engineer Fritz Nallinger suggested that the company build a new two-seat sports car utilizing the strong in-line SOHC six-cylinder engine from its luxurious 300 series. Because the engine and drivetrain were relatively heavy, the chassis would have to be extremely light. Test Department manager Rudolf Uhlenhaut, having some experience with tubular chassis design, sat down with construction engineer Joseph Müller and laid out an extremely light (154 pounds) and rigid lattice-work chassis capable of accommodating the big in-line six. One major problem soon presented itself: there was no way to mount conventional doors without compromising the rigidity of the chassis. The solution was to raise the entry so that the doors cut into the roof, but that meant hinging them from the top, thus giving birth to this car's timeless signature design feature.
The 300SL's first racing trial was the 1952 Mille Miglia, where Kling finished second to Giovanni Bracco's open Ferrari, while Rudolf Caracciola was fourth, the two Gullwings being split by a Lancia. The third Coupe had gone off the road early in the grueling contest. Next came the Grand Prix of Berne, where a quartet of 300SLs took the start and swept the top three positions, Caracciola having crashed in what would prove to be his last race.
Then came Le Mans, where Uhlenhaut struck fear into the competition by bringing an SL coupe fitted with a hand-operated air brake mounted on the roof. While that particular car was not raced, Mercedes would tuck the idea in its pocket for future use. After the grueling 24-hour epic, a pair of 300SLs had finished in the top two positions...and were then driven back to the factory!
New York imported auto entrepreneur Max Hoffman, credited with urging Mercedes Benz to build a production sports car based on the 300SL racing car. The 300SL Gullwing, in final form, was unveiled at the New York International Motor Sports Show in early February 1954, and actual production began that fall. The new coupe was slightly changed in appearance from the racing coupes and featured Bosch direct fuel injection. This prompted the factory to claim it was, "the fastest German production sports car." Between 1954 and 1957, a total of 1,400 Gullwings were delivered to eager purchasers.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Delivered new to Mercedes-Benz of Salzburg, Austria on March 3rd of 1955, this early production Gullwing was equipped with factory Rudge wheels, a feature that has been one of the most sought-after options available on Gullwings since their inception. As a result of its original European delivery, the car features the more sporting bumpers without the heavy over-riders featured on most U.S. specification cars. Chassis number 5500128 was originally painted in DB 534 Fire Engine Red over 1068 Natural Leather.
According to the 300SL registry, this car was exported to the U.S. at a later date and was subsequently in the care of several Golden State owners including Bruce Trenery of Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, California. He reports to have acquired the car in the early 1970s from the owner for $9,500. The car was silver at the time, but Bruce was directed to repaint the car in its original Fire Engine Red despite his preference for silver. Consequently, the car was stripped down and painted red yet again. The car then made an eastbound journey, having been purchased by a Doctor in Mansfield, Ohio. Subsequently, the Mercedes made its way back to the Fantasy Junction inventory and was sold by Bruce to Peter Thomas of Phoenix, Arizona in the late 1980s. Although the details of the restoration and repaint back to silver are unknown at this time, the work was executed to a very high standard that is sure to impress. Later on, the Gullwing was acquired by an East Coast collector and was properly maintained and serviced by noted marque expert Paul Russell and Company in Essex, Massachusetts.
In 2009 Gullwing 5500128 found its way back to the West Coast and was sold to Mr. Richard Stephens and became a part of the prominent Academy of Art University collection. During the decade long ownership, the car has been routinely serviced and maintained by the skillful Academy of Art University staff.
Today 300SL 5500128 makes an excellent cosmetic impression thanks to a high-quality paint job finished atop a straight body with very good fit and finish. The red leather interior is equally impressive, as is the balance of the cockpit, featuring the original VDO gauges and switchgear. As a testament to a lifetime of true enthusiast care, the chassis, engine, and body numbers all match the information documented in the 300SL Registry, and the original chassis and ID plates remain intact. One of the most exotic cars available when new and brimming with innovative features, Gullwings are fast, beautiful, and exclusive. Their appeal continues to be timeless and consistently in demand due to their inherent beauty but also their exceptional build quality. This wonderful 1955 300SL presents a rare opportunity to acquire an early production example featuring desirable racing-derived factory Rudge wheels fitted from the factory. Further, the vehicle's prominent ownership history will surely assist upon potential entry to the Mille Miglia or any Concours field.
"We at Academy of Art University are very privileged to have 2 Mercedes Benz Gullwing in our collection: we have had them for a long time and know they are beautiful and exceptional cars in many ways. We are very sad to part with one of them but excited to be swapping it for a Ford GT; this will increase the Academy of Art University's Classic Automobile Museum prestige and diversity, and expose our students to further design.
The Academy's Classic Automobile Museum has over 100 cars in its collection and is an integral part of our Automotive Design and Automotive Restoration programs. Our students are able to see and touch these objects of beauty and learn on these cars; for both Automotive Design and Automotive Restoration courses, our Museum serves invaluable references as well as inspiration. Students become innovators first hand but also discover new things that are only possible with physical observation as a car is a three dimensional object that must be seen from afar to up close, from different eye levels.
The drama created by the Lights and Shades of the surfaces can be touched by hands beyond just looking at them."
Dr. Elisa Stephens
President, Academy of Art University
◊ Special formalities are required to bid on this lot. Contact Client Services at +1 (212) 644 9001 or [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the auction for registration and bidding options.
View it on
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
240bhp at 6,100rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Factory fitted Rudge-Wheel example
*Matching numbers example retaining original engine and coachwork
*Desirable early Gullwing in iconic livery for model
*Properly maintained and serviced by noted experts including Paul Russell and Lloyd Buck
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING
Instantly recognizable not only by automobile buffs, but virtually anyone on the planet, the immortal 300SL (for Sports Leicht) Gullwing coupe arguably competes for the title of "Greatest Sports Car of the 1950s," and surely qualifies for anyone's Top 10 list of the greatest automobiles of all time. A period favorite of wealthy celebrities, it ranks today among the most valued and collectable sports cars ever produced.
The 300SL coupe was the direct descendant of Mercedes Benz' Le Mans W194 competition coupe, conceived in 1952 and aimed at wresting the World Sportscar Championship from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Lancia, which were dominating post-war endurance racing. Mercedes-Benz historian W. Robert Nitzke writes that company management wanted to jump back into Grand Prix racing, where it had been so successful before the war, but lacked the time necessary to design, build, and develop a new single-seater for the 1954 season. Instead, Chief Engineer Fritz Nallinger suggested that the company build a new two-seat sports car utilizing the strong in-line SOHC six-cylinder engine from its luxurious 300 series. Because the engine and drivetrain were relatively heavy, the chassis would have to be extremely light. Test Department manager Rudolf Uhlenhaut, having some experience with tubular chassis design, sat down with construction engineer Joseph Müller and laid out an extremely light (154 pounds) and rigid lattice-work chassis capable of accommodating the big in-line six. One major problem soon presented itself: there was no way to mount conventional doors without compromising the rigidity of the chassis. The solution was to raise the entry so that the doors cut into the roof, but that meant hinging them from the top, thus giving birth to this car's timeless signature design feature.
The 300SL's first racing trial was the 1952 Mille Miglia, where Kling finished second to Giovanni Bracco's open Ferrari, while Rudolf Caracciola was fourth, the two Gullwings being split by a Lancia. The third Coupe had gone off the road early in the grueling contest. Next came the Grand Prix of Berne, where a quartet of 300SLs took the start and swept the top three positions, Caracciola having crashed in what would prove to be his last race.
Then came Le Mans, where Uhlenhaut struck fear into the competition by bringing an SL coupe fitted with a hand-operated air brake mounted on the roof. While that particular car was not raced, Mercedes would tuck the idea in its pocket for future use. After the grueling 24-hour epic, a pair of 300SLs had finished in the top two positions...and were then driven back to the factory!
New York imported auto entrepreneur Max Hoffman, credited with urging Mercedes Benz to build a production sports car based on the 300SL racing car. The 300SL Gullwing, in final form, was unveiled at the New York International Motor Sports Show in early February 1954, and actual production began that fall. The new coupe was slightly changed in appearance from the racing coupes and featured Bosch direct fuel injection. This prompted the factory to claim it was, "the fastest German production sports car." Between 1954 and 1957, a total of 1,400 Gullwings were delivered to eager purchasers.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Delivered new to Mercedes-Benz of Salzburg, Austria on March 3rd of 1955, this early production Gullwing was equipped with factory Rudge wheels, a feature that has been one of the most sought-after options available on Gullwings since their inception. As a result of its original European delivery, the car features the more sporting bumpers without the heavy over-riders featured on most U.S. specification cars. Chassis number 5500128 was originally painted in DB 534 Fire Engine Red over 1068 Natural Leather.
According to the 300SL registry, this car was exported to the U.S. at a later date and was subsequently in the care of several Golden State owners including Bruce Trenery of Fantasy Junction in Emeryville, California. He reports to have acquired the car in the early 1970s from the owner for $9,500. The car was silver at the time, but Bruce was directed to repaint the car in its original Fire Engine Red despite his preference for silver. Consequently, the car was stripped down and painted red yet again. The car then made an eastbound journey, having been purchased by a Doctor in Mansfield, Ohio. Subsequently, the Mercedes made its way back to the Fantasy Junction inventory and was sold by Bruce to Peter Thomas of Phoenix, Arizona in the late 1980s. Although the details of the restoration and repaint back to silver are unknown at this time, the work was executed to a very high standard that is sure to impress. Later on, the Gullwing was acquired by an East Coast collector and was properly maintained and serviced by noted marque expert Paul Russell and Company in Essex, Massachusetts.
In 2009 Gullwing 5500128 found its way back to the West Coast and was sold to Mr. Richard Stephens and became a part of the prominent Academy of Art University collection. During the decade long ownership, the car has been routinely serviced and maintained by the skillful Academy of Art University staff.
Today 300SL 5500128 makes an excellent cosmetic impression thanks to a high-quality paint job finished atop a straight body with very good fit and finish. The red leather interior is equally impressive, as is the balance of the cockpit, featuring the original VDO gauges and switchgear. As a testament to a lifetime of true enthusiast care, the chassis, engine, and body numbers all match the information documented in the 300SL Registry, and the original chassis and ID plates remain intact. One of the most exotic cars available when new and brimming with innovative features, Gullwings are fast, beautiful, and exclusive. Their appeal continues to be timeless and consistently in demand due to their inherent beauty but also their exceptional build quality. This wonderful 1955 300SL presents a rare opportunity to acquire an early production example featuring desirable racing-derived factory Rudge wheels fitted from the factory. Further, the vehicle's prominent ownership history will surely assist upon potential entry to the Mille Miglia or any Concours field.
"We at Academy of Art University are very privileged to have 2 Mercedes Benz Gullwing in our collection: we have had them for a long time and know they are beautiful and exceptional cars in many ways. We are very sad to part with one of them but excited to be swapping it for a Ford GT; this will increase the Academy of Art University's Classic Automobile Museum prestige and diversity, and expose our students to further design.
The Academy's Classic Automobile Museum has over 100 cars in its collection and is an integral part of our Automotive Design and Automotive Restoration programs. Our students are able to see and touch these objects of beauty and learn on these cars; for both Automotive Design and Automotive Restoration courses, our Museum serves invaluable references as well as inspiration. Students become innovators first hand but also discover new things that are only possible with physical observation as a car is a three dimensional object that must be seen from afar to up close, from different eye levels.
The drama created by the Lights and Shades of the surfaces can be touched by hands beyond just looking at them."
Dr. Elisa Stephens
President, Academy of Art University
◊ Special formalities are required to bid on this lot. Contact Client Services at +1 (212) 644 9001 or [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the auction for registration and bidding options.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
