Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe (1955)

Gullwing, the popular name for the Mercedes 300 SL coupé, is probably the greatest and most successful supercar of all time. Throughout the model's long life the name 'Gullwing' has highlighted the car's unique feature, the lift-up gull-wing doors necessitated by the 300 SL's elaborate multi-tubular space-frame chassis.

Conceived and developed in 1951, the 300 SL proved a fast and reliable competition sports car. In 1952, the original 300SL (model Mercedes-Benz W194) scored overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in Bern-Bremgarten, in the sportscar race of the Eifelrennen at the Nürburgring, and in Mexico's Carrera Panamericana. It also managed second and fourth places at its first outing, the Mille Miglia in 1952.

The decision to create a road going SL was largely due to Mercedes-Benz's American distributor, the formidable Max Hoffman. While attending a 1954 meeting of the Daimler-Benz Board of Directors, Hoffman argued passionately for a production version of the 300SL racing car. According to legend, despite initial objections the determined Hoffman prevailed and left Germany with a commitment for the construction of 1,000 SLs.

The sleek body design was a classic case of form following function. The attractive bulges over the wheel openings, for instance, actually improved high-speed stability, and the two longitudinal hood bulges and distinctive grillwork on both front wings removed excessive heat from the engine bay while reducing interior noise. In addition, lightweight aluminium was used extensively for the bodywork, particularly for the doors, bonnet, boot lid and interior sheet metal. While the rest of the car utilised steel panels for the bodywork, the entire car, in ready-to-drive form, including the spare wheel, tool kit and fuel, tipped the scales at just 1,295 kilograms. Designed for high-speed, cross-country travel, the 300SL was equipped with a large 130-litre fuel tank.

From these highly successful sports-racing cars Mercedes-Benz developed the production model that was a pioneer of fuel injection. In production form, the Gullwing was built to the highest quality and had a standard of performance - 140mph top speed coupled with exceptional acceleration - that surpassed the offerings of rival manufacturers. (The Gullwing was by far the fastest production car of its day). The result was that over a period stretching from late 1954 to April 1957 the Mercedes-Benz factory built 1400 of these magnificent cars. The recent release of the new SLS has sparked renewed interest in the original cars and values, which have been rising steadily, are now beginning to seriously accelerate, furthermore the iconic status of the Gullwing makes them an absolute must for any serious car collection.

This Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is a rare and more desirable European specification example and was ordered via a Mercedes Benz Distributors in Frankfurt, Germany, and delivered new to a Mr Neville of New-York, USA. Mr. Neville was a member of the American forces stationed in Germany. He took delivery of the car in September 1955. After having spent a few years in Germany, Mr Neville went back to the USA and took his car with him. In 1966, he sold the car to a Mr Garrison H. Buxton Jr, a banker and a grain dealer of Oklahoma City, USA in 1966. Mr Buxton kept and drove the car until his death in 1984. This Mercedes was then purchased by a Dr David R Jahimiak, a dentist from La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA. In the 1990's, Dr Jahimiak commissioned a full overhaul of his car. After having been the owner for two decades, he decided to sell the car, mainly due to health reasons. For the first time in 50 years, this superb Gullwing came back to Europe. The last owners of the car have both been based in Europe and the car has resided in two very impressive private collections until now.

This stunning example retains its matching numbers drivetrain and is presented in its original colour combination of DB180 Silver with Red Leather. Having been expertly restored (body off) by specialists of the Marque this wonderful Gullwing is presented in superb condition and even has an original Becker Mexico Radio with correct door speakers, a spare wheel and factory jack a rare sight on 300 SL. A rare opportunity to acquire an example of a true motoring icon that is eligible for many historic events including of course the Mille Miglia.

Please note; this vehicle has been confirmed as the car displayed on the Mercedes stand at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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• Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe
• £POA
• DK Database ID: #527

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