1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

Chassis 198.040.6500313

This vehicle was listed on Bring a Trailer

An exciting addition to our showroom, this three-owner, fully restored, 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is a stunning example of a legendary model. 

Presented in a striking period-correct color combination, this matching numbers Gullwing was restored to a concours level in 2016 by Thornley Kelham (UK) and was shown at the 2016 Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance at Blenheim Palace.  Complete with Belly Pans, Books, Tool Kit, and Extensive Records dating back to new from the first owner in Belgium from 1957-1981, to the second owner in the UK from 1981 to 2003 and then the third owner in Canada from 2003 until today. 

In 1956, the Mercedes-Benz factory in Sindelfingen produced 311 hand-built 300 SL Gullwings. This particular Gullwing was constructed with 1956-dated components but assembled and completed at the factory in Sindelfingen on the 22nd of February 1957. 

Records on hand indicate that this Gullwing was configured to European specifications and delivered new to the Mercedes-Benz importer and dealer in Luxembourg on the 7th of March, 1957. Order number 854 796 was a finished in silver gray metallic Gullwing with a blue vinyl and plaid cloth interior. As it is an extremely late production car, it has all 61 of the 61 factory modifications from the release of the very first Gullwing and is very desirable as it is technically more refined than the earlier Gullwings and is more similar to the early 300SL Roadsters.

A vehicle registration from Belgium dated the 18th of August, 1964 indicates this 300SL, with number plate 8413Y, was first registered in Belgium on the 7th of March, 1957 by the first Belgium-based owner.  During this period, the Gullwing was repainted and also received an overhaul of all major mechanical components.

During the second ownership, the Gullwing spent a year (1987) at County Garage, the Mercedes-Benz dealer in Cheltenham,  receiving a complete mechanical rebuild, which at the time came to 4,596.48 GBP. The engine and gearbox were removed and completely disassembled. The block, bearing caps, rods and crankshaft were set off to a specialist for repair, the engine was reassembled with new bearings, gaskets, seals, a new clutch was installed and the cooling and brake system were overhauled and tested. Mileage at the time showed 86,433 km. The Gullwing was certified and passed its M.O.T. test, making it road legal for that year in the UK. 

The Gullwing spent most of the past seventeen years in Vancouver and was occasionally shown at local classic car events. In 2007 a record indicates that the Gullwing had just 89,500 km on the odometer, fewer than 3,000 km since the mechanical work performed in the late-1980s. The odometer now shows 91,046 km, which is very likely the correct original mileage for the car as the bulk of that mileage was acquired between 1957 and 1981, an average of 3,600 km per year over those 24 years.

This Gullwing is accompanied by a copy of its Mercedes-Benz Data Card, which allowed us to confirm that every documented component installed on this Gullwing by Mercedes-Benz in early 1957 is still on this Gullwing today. These components include the tubular steel chassis, steel and aluminum body, engine, gearbox, differential, and both front axles. It is increasingly rarer to find 300SL that are complete with all original components and we are thrilled to have such an example on offer today. European production Gullwings are surprisingly quite rare. The Gullwing sold extremely well in North America, and it is believed that only around 20% of total production remained in Europe, making this one of around 300 “European delivery” Gullwings in existence. Little details on this Gullwing attest to the shortlist of owners and an incredible amount of care the car has had over its life. The original speedometer, in kilometers, is still affixed to the dashboard, complete with the rear axle gear ratio printed on the lower portion. We have no reason to doubt the mileage shown and believe that up until the restoration in 2016, the car had retained most of its original interior, with the exception of the seat coverings.

The Gullwing was recognized long ago as a cornerstone piece for collectors. It is an extremely drivable classic car and must have felt like it was at least a decade ahead of its time when it came out in the early 1950s. Futuristic in technology and appearance, it was a car that inspired awe and wonder in any who were lucky enough to encounter one on the road or parked with the iconic doors wide open. 

This particular Gullwing comes with documented history and has had the benefit of a no-expense restoration at the hands of an extremely talented workshop. There are always a number of 300SL for sale at a time, it is an accessible collector car due to production numbers, but not all Gullwings are equal. This is an exceptional example and it is currently in search of its fourth caretaker.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Paint Color: Blue Gray (DB 166 G Blaugrau) – (Originally Silver Gray Metallic DB 180 G)

Interior: Blue Leather with Plaid Cloth Inserts – (Originally L1 Blue Vinyl/Blue Plaid Cloth Seats)

Chassis: 198.040.6500313

Motor: M198.980.6500319

Body: A198.040.6500308

Gearbox: 6500358

Rear Differential: 6500345

Front Axles: 6500327 (L & R)

Rear Axle Ratio: 1: 3.64

Mileage: 91,046 original km