Early-production 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, freshly restored and numbers-matching, emerges as a rare opportunity for collectors worldwide.
Few automobiles embody the word “legendary” as perfectly as the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. Introduced in 1954 and built through 1957, the coupe set new standards for design, engineering, and performance. With only 1,400 examples produced, each surviving Gullwing is revered, but one early-production example, chassis number 198040550099, is now poised to capture collector attention at auction.
This 1955 Gullwing is notable as the 99th car built and retains its numbers-matching Bosch fuel-injected 3.0-liter straight-six engine. Capable of 215 horsepower and a 160 mph top speed, the 300SL was the world’s fastest production car of its era and the first to employ direct fuel injection. Its lightweight tubular spaceframe required innovative upward-opening “gullwing” doors, creating a silhouette as functional as it was striking.
Originally delivered in March 1955, this example spent its early years in New York before moving west to California, where it passed through several owners. A frame-up restoration in the late 1980s preserved its mechanical integrity, followed by an extensive restoration in the early 2000s under the care of Mercedes-Benz engineer Andrew Bach and Kent Bain’s Automotive Restorations in Connecticut.
Most recently, the Gullwing underwent a bare-metal freshening at Rudi & Company Motorwerks in British Columbia, a shop renowned for its work on Mercedes-Benz icons. Finished in black over period-correct green and red plaid upholstery, the car presents today in concours-ready condition.
Beyond its striking appearance, the car has proven its mechanical excellence in extensive road use, with specialists praising its responsiveness and handling. Accompanying the Gullwing are fitted luggage, a tool roll kit, and a spare tire, further enhancing its completeness.
Nearly 70 years after its debut, the 300SL remains a symbol of innovation and timeless style. This example, with its provenance and fresh restoration, stands as one of the most desirable opportunities to own a true automotive masterpiece. See it here.
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