Vehicle Description
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing For Sale - A True Icon, Only 3
Caretakers From New 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 United States. 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 in alloy, as the
competition cars were, the new Karl Wilfert-designed body was
largely constructed of steel, however it retained aluminum doors,
hood, and trunk lid, and included the bumpers (with over-riders for
U.S.-spec cars). Numerous creature comforts were added as well,
including a tilt-wheel for ease of entry and a sumptuous interior
that is requisite for road use. Of particular note, the 300 SL was
the first Mercedes to be introduced in the United States before it
was shown in Germany, and when it was unveiled in New York on
February 6 th , 1954, it took the automotive world by storm. The
"SL" (translated to English as Sport Light) moniker reflected the
pioneering use of welded tubular-steel frame construction. It also
featured a fully independent suspension in addition to its
fuel-injected, 3.0-litre (2,996 cubic centimeter) OHC straight six
with dry-sump lubrication. Interestingly, the motor was angled
slightly to the side in order to clear the low-profile hood and
reduce the height of the front end. The power, rated at 240 brake
horsepower at 6,100 rpm (SAE) and 215 brake horsepower at 5,800 rpm
(DIN) 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. 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 just 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. It is almost
indisputably considered the "core" model for any serious
collection. This 300 SL Gullwing, according to official
Mercedes-Benz records, was completed by the factory on August, 11,
1956 and shipped to the Mercedes-Benz dealership located in
Dusseildorf, Germany on August 13. This Gullwing was special
ordered, finished in graphite gray with blue plaid interior for the
car's first owner, the Prince of Salm-Salm. (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 the Gullwing until
Dr J. Theodore Luros, a neurosurgeon from Indianapolis, Indiana
acquired the car in 1961, as evidenced by his original bill of sale
dated March 2, 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 Gullwing Group dated February
5, 1972 is included. Dr and Mrs. Luros saw a spectacular Gullwing
at a concours finished in the optional factory code DB543, which
was Strawberry Metallic. They fell in love and had to have one of
their own, so they had their car refinished to match! This 300SL
comes with Dr. Luro's 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 300SL's over the years
through renowned 300SL expert Rudi Koniczek. He entrusted Roniczek
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 300SL. This highly original,
matching numbers car is complete with its original belly pans. 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. Finished in the striking
factory color scheme of Metallic Strawberry with contrasting tan
leather interior, this 300SL is simply stunning to behold.
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
300SL is truly fit for a prince, or any discerning collector
wishing to acquire a Gullwing that stands out from the rest.
Additional Details: 1956 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING -
