• Year of manufacture 
    1/1955
  • Mileage 
    7 476 km / 4 646 mi
  • Car type 
    Coupé
  • Chassis number 
    198 040 55 00141
  • Engine number 
    198 980 55 00107
  • Reference number 
    W198
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Restored
  • Exterior brand colour 
    DB 180 SilberGrau Met. (SilverGrey Met.)
  • Metallic 
    Yes
  • Interior colour 
    Beige
  • Interior brand colour 
    Magnolia
  • Number of doors 
    2
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    Canada
  • Exterior colour 
    Silver
  • Gearbox 
    Manual
  • Performance 
    215 BHP / 218 PS / 161 kW
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

The illustrious tale of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” Coupe unfolds as a captivating chapter in the annals of automotive history. Born of post-war innovation and Teutonic ingenuity, this iconic machine first graced the public eye in 1954, emerging as a paragon of both form and function.

Conceived under the meticulous stewardship of engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the 300SL manifested as a marriage of cutting-edge engineering and aesthetic splendor. Its signature gullwing doors, akin to avian wings in full flight, lent an unparalleled elegance to its silhouette, transcending mere vehicular design.

Beneath the sinuous curves of its body, the 300SL harbored a technological marvel – a fuel-injected, 3.0-liter inline-six engine – catapulting it into the realm of the swiftest of its era. This groundbreaking powerplant, coupled with a space-frame chassis, ushered in an era of performance and handling prowess that remains etched in the automotive echelons.

The 300SL was not merely a spectacle on the boulevards; it conquered the racetracks with unbridled fervor. Its triumph at the 1955 Mille Miglia, under the skillful command of Sir Stirling Moss, etched the Gullwing’s name into the racing chronicles, solidifying its status as an unparalleled icon.

As the years gracefully unfold, the 300SL Gullwing Coupe stands as an enduring symbol of automotive elegance and prowess, a timeless artifact that transcends the temporal confines of its inception, eternally resonating with aficionados and connoisseurs alike.

Behold the exquisite embodiment of automotive opulence: an unparalleled masterpiece that transcends the mere realm of vehicular conveyance and ascends to the echelons of automotive aristocracy. Crafted with meticulous precision and imbued with a timeless allure, this automotive gem stands as a testament to an era when elegance and engineering prowess converged in harmonious synthesis.

In the annals of automotive history, the 300SL Gullwing holds an exalted status, an emblem of the mid-20th century’s apex of design ingenuity. Its design captures the imagination but also serves as a visual ode to engineering & aerodynamic excellence. The exterior, adorned with lustrous curves and gleaming chrome, bespeaks an era when cars were not mere utilitarian contrivances but rather rolling sculptures, encapsulating the spirit of post-war optimism and progress.

Beneath the bonnet resides the beating heart of this automotive symphony with the world's first ever mechanically fuel-injected engine, rated at 215 bhp, a technological marvel of its time. Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, the 300SL Gullwing exhibits a mechanical ballet, seamlessly choreographed for performance enthusiasts who seek a visceral connection with the road. The roar of its engine, a mellifluous crescendo, resonates with the essence of motoring splendor, evoking a sense of driving purity that transcends the banalities of contemporary automobilia.

Reposing into the cabin, one is enveloped by an ambiance of luxurious refinement. The sumptuous seats cradle occupants in exceeding comfort, a testament to the artisanal craftsmanship that defined the interiors of mid-century automotive excellence. A symphony of polished metal accents and refined design completes the tableau, transporting its fortunate occupants to an era of refined motoring sophistication.

Preserving the sanctity of its provenance, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe emerges as a paragon of automotive preservation, having undergone a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration in 2018 under the auspices of the connoisseurs at HK Engineering, Germany, devoted to safeguarding its historical integrity. The sympathetic restoration was undertaken with a view to refurbish the vehicle to its original paint colour, and interior specification, as it would have been delivered from the factory some nearly 70 years ago. With a provenance that traces back to the illustrious era of post-war motoring, this matching-numbers vehicular time capsule was delivered to its first custodian in early 1955, in New York, USA. The 2018 restoration was commissioned to the previous owner's request to tailor the vehicle to a "Mille Miglia specification", which included upgrading the front brakes to discs, deletion of bumpers, and modification to a side exhaust for enhanced power output. In strict respect of preserving originality, the restoration was completed in a manner that is easily reversible to stock factory-original condition, with the entirety of original parts included in the sale. This specimen beckons discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike, promising not just an ownership experience but an entrée into a hallowed chapter of automotive history.

In the realms of classic automobiles, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe stands as an empyreal testament to an epoch marked by elegance, innovation, and the unbridled spirit of driving. To acquire this exemplary specimen is to forge an indelible connection with the past, an investment not just in steel and chrome but in the enduring legacy of automotive excellence. The 300SL Gullwing, an embodiment of transcendent vehicular poetry, beckons the connoisseur to partake in an odyssey of sophistication and style, encapsulating the very zenith of automotive allure.

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