To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$1,200,000 - $1,400,000
- Originally owned by the Prince of Salm-Salm
- Only three caretakers from new
- Retains its original numbers-matching engine
- Very nicely restored and serviced by renowned 300 SL
experts
- Finished in a fabulous, factory-correct color scheme
- Includes fitted luggage and Becker Mexico radio
Mercedes-Benz initially had no plans for a series production of its
racing 300 SL. However, its U.S. importer, Max Hoffman, had other
ideas. Hoffman, a master marketer and a man of great insight,
convinced Daimler-Benz to offer a production model by ordering
1,000 of them for sale in the U.S. Fuel injection replaced the race
car's carburetors, and the Bosch mechanical unit would be the first
for a production car. After a handful of early production models
were made with all-alloy bodies, as the competition cars were, the
new Karl Wilfert-designed coachwork was largely constructed of
steel. However, the cars retained aluminum doors, hood, and trunk
lid, and included the bumpers (with over-riders for
U.S.-specification cars). Numerous creature comforts were added as
well, including a tilting steering wheel for ease of entry and a
sumptuous interior that is requisite for road use.
Of note, the 300 SL was the first Mercedes-Benz to be introduced in
the U.S. before it was shown in Germany. When the gull-winged
sports car was unveiled in New York on 6 February 1954, it took the
automotive world by storm. The "SL" moniker (translated as Sport
Light) reflected the pioneering use of welded tubular steel-frame
construction. It also featured a fully independent suspension in
addition to its fuel-injected, 2,996-cc OHC straight six with
dry-sump lubrication. Interestingly, the engine was canted slightly
to the side in order to clear the low-profile hood and reduce the
overall height of the front end. The power, rated at 240 bhp at
6,100 rpm (SAE) and 215 bhp at 5,800 rpm (DIN) (when fitted with
the factory-optional or dealer-installed "sport" camshaft), was
delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox. Capable of a top
speed of 161 mph and with a 0-60 acceleration time of approximately
eight seconds (depending upon the rear-end ratio selected from five
options), the 300 SL was the fastest production automobile of its
time.
The dramatic, upward-opening "gullwing" doors of the racing version
of the car continued into production and contributed largely to the
unique visual signature of the 300 SL, as well as its long-standing
nickname. When production ended after the 1957 model year,
Hoffman's original request for 1,000 cars was exceeded, as
production of the semi-hand-built car reached some 1,400 units.
Demand has always been strong, and today, the 300 SL continues to
be one of the most recognized and coveted of all sporting cars.
This 300 SL Gullwing, according to official Mercedes-Benz records,
was completed by the factory on 11 August 1956 and shipped to the
Mercedes-Benz dealership in D�sseldorf, Germany, on 13 August. This
Gullwing was special ordered, finished in graphite grey with a blue
plaid interior for the car's first owner, the Prince of Salm-Salm.
Notably, Salm-Salm was a small principality located in the
north-western part of what is now modern-day France; however, the
line of mediatized princes continues to this day.
The Prince retained ownership of his royal Gullwing until Dr. J.
Theodore Luros, a neurosurgeon from Indianapolis, Indiana, acquired
the car in 1961, as evidenced by the Bill of Sale dated 2 March
1961 that accompanies the car. Dr. Luros was an active member in
the Gullwing Group, and a copy of his letter submitted with his
application to the club dated 5 February 1972 is also included. As
it happens, Dr. and Mrs. Luros saw another spectacular Gullwing at
a concours finished in the optional Strawberry Red Metallic
(DB543). They fell in love with the unique color and had to have
one of their own, so they had their car refinished to match,
naturally! This 300 SL comes with Dr. Luros' original 1961 title
together with a batch of his Indiana State registration cards
accumulated during his years of ownership.
Dr. Luros enjoyed the car until 2005 when it was purchased by the
third owner, a longtime Mercedes-Benz collector who had the
privilege of owning several 300 SLs over the years through renowned
expert Rudi Koniczek. He entrusted Koniczek and his team of skilled
craftsmen at Rudi and Company in British Columbia, Canada, to
perform both a cosmetic and mechanical restoration on this very
special 300 SL. The restoration work performed is documented with
receipts by the previous two owners. Also included is the owner's
manual as well as the Mercedes-Benz Classic documents. This highly
original, matching-numbers car is complete with its original belly
pans.
Finished in the striking factory color scheme of Strawberry Red
Metallic with contrasting tan leather interior, this 300 SL is
simply stunning to behold. It is accessorized with highly
desirable, color-coordinated fitted luggage and factory-installed
Becker Mexico radio, as well as a tool kit. Since restoration was
completed, the Gullwing has been driven sparingly and presents
splendidly today. This exceptional 300 SL is truly fit for a
prince, or any discerning collector wishing to acquire a Gullwing
that stands out from the rest.
Please note that an import duty of 2.5% of the purchase price is
payable on this lot if the buyer is a resident of the United
States.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
