Vehicle Description
This 300SL gullwing coupe is one of 855 made in 1955, out of a
total production run of just 1,400 between 1954 and 1957. The
gullwing factory construction uses a lightweight tubular spaceframe
under a steel body shell with aluminum hood, doors, trunk lid,
rocker panels, firewall and floor pans. This gullwing was delivered
to its initial owner (the Ministry of Police in Havana, Cuba) on
June 16, 1955, and was rallied in the early part of its life by
Santiago "Chaquito" Gonzales, a professional race car driver. It
took first place at the 1957 Havana Gran Prix National Race and
first place in record time at the IV Classic Havana Rally. It was
imported to the U.S. in 1961 when it was purchased by its second
owner in California. This 300SL was special-ordered with Strawberry
Red Metallic paint from the factory and has received a repaint in a
similar color (Fire Engine Red). Power comes from its original
matching-numbers M198 3.0-liter SOHC inline-6 engine with Bosch
mechanical direct fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication. The
engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The optional
extra-cost factory beige leather interior features VDO gauges, a
wood steering wheel and non-factory custom-made luggage. This
original body gullwing received a thorough restoration by the third
owner in the 1990s at about 92,000 kilometers (57,166 miles), which
included a bare-metal repaint, new interior, rebuilt gauges, redone
brightwork, and rebuilt engine, transmission and brakes. A second
engine rebuild was performed by the fourth owner in 2003. This
300SL now has 95,377 actual kilometers (59,265 miles) and comes
with documentation that includes a copy of the factory data card,
data-card decoding by the Mercedes Classic Center in Los Angeles,
copy of the factory export delivery notice, ownership history, some
prior ownership documents, photos when raced, race results, service
notes and restoration notes. Also, included with the sale are the
original, unrestored belly pans, which are currently off of the
car. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to purchase a
matching-numbers, original body and fully documented gullwing with
complete history from new.
