Vehicle Description
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe
• Chassis No. 1980405500XXX
• Engine No. 1989805500739
• Body No. 1980405500692
• Desirable Rudge wheels and fitted luggage
• Legendary performance and styling
Originally completed on September 7, 1955, for Adolfo De Matos in
Lisbon, Portugal. Purchased by a collector in 2010 and driven 1,000
miles on the Colorado Grand in 2011. This 1955 300SL had been well
maintained and regularly used in driving events prior to the
acquisition. Work performed under the last fastidious owner
includes the installation of a complete set of desirable Rudge
knock-off wheels, which necessitated the installation of new wheel
hubs and new rear axles. The braking is now much more effective,
following cleaning of the master cylinder, re-sleeved and rebuilt
wheel cylinders, and new brake drums all around with new Kevlar
brake shoes. The fuel system was serviced with the fuel tank
cleaned out and the fuel injection pump was completely gone through
and equipped with new lines. The oil cooler was cleaned out and a
new water pump was installed as well. Other mechanical work
includes a valve adjustment and the installation of new rear coil
springs.
European Collectibles purchased this 300SL in 2012 and did a full
concour cosmetic restoration in the original color combination,
along with a full undercarriage and engine detail. No expense
spared over a 14-month period from 2011 to 2012. During the
restoration, this 300SL was completely disassembled so that every
aspect could be properly addressed. The body was stripped to steel;
the front and rear bonnet lids and doors were pre-fit with the
bumpers, headlights, and front grill to ensure the absolute best
result. Repainted in its original color combination Silver Grey
Metallic (color code DB 180) with a completely new blue (COLOR CODE
333) leather interior and plaid inserts on the front seats. The
engine was taken down to the block and a complete engine detail was
performed. The belly pans were removed, and the tubular frame was
stripped to steel and repainted to factory specifications. All the
chrome was triple plated, and all the components are OEM or
NOS.
The odometer currently reads 78,957 kilometers, which is believed
to be original. Factory-original fitted luggage is also included
with the car. Desirable features include a Becker Le Mans radio, as
well as the original jack, and a complete tool roll in the trunk.
All exterior body panels are straight and true, and the
undercarriage is equipped with its belly pans.
Nicely presented and properly maintained and sorted, this 300SL has
traveled approximately 1,400 kilometers since the restoration was
completed in 2013. It runs and handles very well, especially on the
open road, its natural element. Full photo documentation is
included. It is in excellent condition both inside and out and is
ready to be driven and enjoyed. Truly one of the best 1955 Mercedes
Benz 300SL Gullwings that you will find, finished in a beautiful
original color combination, and is a dream to drive!
Specification
• 240 bhp (SAE rating), 215 bhp (DIN rating)
• 2,996 cc OHC inline six-cylinder engine
• Four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox
• Independent front suspension with twin wishbones
• Coil springs and anti-roll bar
• Swing axle rear suspension with coil springs
• Hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers
• Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes with servo assistance
• Wheelbase: 94.5"
History
The 300SL was the first Mercedes-Benz to be introduced in the
United States before it was shown in Germany. It was unveiled in
New York on February 6, 1954, and immediately took the automotive
world by storm. The SL moniker reflected the pioneering use of
multi-tube space frame construction. The gull-wing doors used on
the racing version of the car were continued on the production car,
as they were necessary to maintain structural integrity. The 300SL
also featured fully-independent suspension in addition to its
fuel-injected, 240 hp, 3.0-liter (2,996cc) straight-six with
dry-sump lubrication; the motor inclined to the side to reduce the
car's frontal area. Power was delivered through a four-speed manual
gearbox, giving the car top speed of up to 150 mph and 0-60
acceleration in just 8.8 seconds, making it the fastest production
automobile of its time. The 300SL was priced starting at $6,820, an
impressive sum for the era.
Hoffman's original request of 1,000 cars was exceeded as the
production of the semi-hand-built car reached just 1,400 units. The
300SL Coupe was discontinued after the 1957 model year when the
300SL Roadster replaced it. Today, it remains one of the most
recognized, coveted, and collectible of all sports cars ever
built.
