Vehicle Description
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing: The 5th from last 300SL Coupe
Ever Produced This 1957 300SL Gullwing Chassis number 7500071 was
the fifth from last 300 SL coupe produced and, as such, has all of
the most desirable late-production features, as well as the
optional Becker Mexico radio and full leather upholstery. It was
originally delivered to 28-year-old Donald H. Bueermann of
Portland, Oregon, later passing to fellow Portland resident Howard
Hanna, as recorded in Eric LeMoines 300 SL Register. In the early
1960s, it moved to Washington State in the ownership of young
Arthur L.W. True, heir to a Spokane oil fortune and a well-known
figure in Pacific Northwest sports car circles. Mr. True was a
particular fan of Ferraris and is famous for his custodianship of
the unrestored 250 TR, chassis number 0704 TR. Sadly, True passed
away in 1967 at the age of 35. His family subsequently donated
several of his outstanding automobiles, including the 250 TR and
this Gullwing, to the Henry Ford Museum of Dearborn, Michigan. The
museum found the Gullwing outside their needs and, within a year,
had sold it to the last owner, a resident of Jackson,
Michigan.While the owner enjoyed his 300 SL, he never had a place
to maintain it in the conditions it demanded, and so it has spent
its life since 1968 on display in two different museums. For the
past few decades, its home has been the Special Interest Gallery of
the ACD Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana, where it has been
viewed by many hundreds of thousands of visitors to that legendary
facility. In fact, for many Midwestern 300 SL enthusiasts, it was
their very first in-person view of a Gullwing.Such superb
surroundings have helped the 300 SL survive in exceptionally
original condition. Much of the Fire Engine Red finish (534) has
been redone, as-necessary over passing years, but is still present
on the factory hubcaps. The original Cream upholstery was quickly
surface-dyed black decades ago, but remains intact, and there are
no tears or scratches. All of the 36,375 actual miles recorded at
the time of cataloging were added prior to 1968. The car is still
equipped with its original Michelin spare, as well as two of the
three original belly pans.There are almost no other Gullwings that
have survived in the condition of this car, and fewer still that
have been continuously admired and beloved by so many, for so long,
firing the imagination. For three decades, visitors to one of
America's foremost automotive museums have had the opportunity to
envision mastering the art. Chassis No. 198.040.7500071 Engine No.
198.980.7500075 Body No. 198.040.7500068 Exhibited for four decades
at various Indiana museums Never restored Formerly owned by noted
West Coast sportsman Arthur L.W. True A thrilling opportunity to
acquire one of the most original surviving GullwingsPrice:
$1,295,000 Firm
