To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 17 - 18
January 2019.
Estimate:
$1,200,000 - $1,400,000
- One of the most iconic sports cars of all time
- Features early bolt-on wheel arch �eyebrows' with body color
welting
- Attractively aged and well maintained
- Includes set of fitted luggage
Mercedes-Benz won the Carrera Panamericana in 1952 with a W194 300
SL coupe driven by Karl Kling. The number one importer of European
brand cars into the U.S. at the time was Max Hoffman, based in New
York City. Mercedes-Benz racing success prompted Hoffman to
approach the company with the idea of using the tube frame of the
W194, along with its high-performance three-liter engine and unique
roof-hinged doors to create a road car based on it. It was a
radical proposal, but Hoffman had a highly developed sense for the
U.S. market and backed up his suggestion with his checkbook. He
placed an order for a thousand luxury high-performance coupes based
on a more refined version of the W194.
What Hoffman proposed was a relatively direct transformation of the
multi-tube framed W194, retaining its roof-hinged doors, tall, wide
sills, 45-degree canted triple-carbureted single overhead camshaft
inline six, and fully independent suspension with more civilized
accoutrements. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz improved the car
further with the addition of the first direct mechanical
fuel-injection system ever offered in a production automobile.
Introduced at the February 1954 New York Auto Show, the 300 SL was
enthusiastically received by the public and the automotive
press.
The sensational curved doors of the 300 SL soon brought it the
nickname "Gullwing," which has stuck for well over half a century
and been mimicked by many lesser automobiles hoping to emulate the
300 SL's mystique. The body design was refined for the street and
added eyebrow moldings over the wheel wells to signal an
association with Mercedes-Benz's later race cars. The driving
position, steering wheel location, controls, and instruments'
visibility were carefully refined by Mercedes-Benz engineers to
make the driving experience of the 300 SL most rewarding.
Mercedes-Benz would go on to produce 1,400 300 SL Gullwings over
the next three years. The majority were sold through Max Hoffman in
North America, validating both the reality of his vision and
returning many times over the confidence he showed in backing its
development.
Documents reveal that this 300 SL, chassis no. 5500154, was
originally delivered in March 1955 to Brussels, Belgium. This car
is somewhat unusual in that it is equipped with a number of
features that were primarily found on the earlier 1954 models, but
as the changes were gradual, some 1955 cars were built with earlier
features. Most notable for this car are the bolt-on wheel arch
"eyebrows" with body color welting, as the later style were welded
in place and the seams filled with lead. This car also features the
early-type Bendix Treadle-Vac brake booster, and it is optioned
with items such as bumper guards, Becker radio, and SWF windscreen
washer. Other desirable accessories include fitted luggage and dual
Hella reversing lights.
According to the Mercedes-Benz data card and the 300 SL Registry,
5500154 was originally finished in DB180 silver-grey over a blue
fabric interior. Importantly, it retains its original engine, no.
5500154. Little is known of the car's earliest history in Belgium,
though records indicate that in the 1970s it was registered to Mr.
Richard H. Grant of Dayton, Ohio. A copy of Mr. Grant's title shows
he purchased the SL in 1975 from Herbert E. Von Fragstein, also of
Dayton. Mr. Grant owned the SL for a number of years, and it is
believed that during his stewardship, the 300 SL was cosmetically
restored and the color changed to DB534 Red, which was a
factory-offered color. Grant ultimately sold the Gullwing in 1993,
when it joined the collection of the next long-term owner, where it
has remained until recently.
The interior was restored some time ago using factory-style natural
tan leather and correct-type square-weave carpeting, all of which
presents in good condition. It includes fitted luggage, a side
window storage pouch, original-type Becker radio, and correct
original ivory Bakelite steering wheel. Driven sparingly in recent
years, it has been properly maintained and possesses a faint but
charmingly elegant patina. Original chrome bumpers wear optional
over-riders which, along with the rest of the brightwork, remain in
very good order both front and rear. Wheels are the correct factory
original bolt-on magnesium/alloy wrapped in Avon Turbosteel tires
and fitted with correct color-keyed hubcaps.
This legendary Mercedes-Benz is ideally suited for rallies,
touring, or club events. The 300 SL Gullwing is widely considered
one of the cars every collector must own and experience.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.