1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
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The "Most Iconic" Mercedes-Benz ever to be produced
Only 2 owners over the course of 68 years
Extensive documented history since new
San Francisco Bay Area California car since new
1 of 867 made in 1955. 1 of 1,400 Gullwings made during entire
4-year production
Matching numbers engine - 3.0L inline-6 engine with 215HP
Original color combo according to factory build record
Books, tool roll, jack, and spare wheel/tire
Extensive owner documentation and detailed notes back to 1955
Fitted original Karl Baisch luggage set, wooden Nardi-style
steering wheel
Very few cars exude the same level of class, desirability, and
recognizability of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a constant
contender in timeless design. With its long swooping hood, perfect
curves, iconic upward-opening doors, and a body design that is
considered to be this day the epitome of style, the 300SL Gullwing
has aged remarkably well. A lasting favorite among automotive
enthusiasts and collectors alike, the 300SL Gullwing is considered
one of the most legendary automobiles to have been created. With
only 1,400 examples built in the 4-year time period that it was
offered, only a few lucky individuals with the wherewithal were
able to enjoy what Mercedes-Benz created.
This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was originally purchased by
Dr. Glen Smith Harman of Monte Sereno, CA in December of 1955 along
with a Mercedes-Benz 300S on the same day. A physician servicing
the San Francisco Bay Area, this particular doctor had a unique
relationship with the Canepa family: he was Bruce's father's close
personal friend. Angelo Canepa and Dr. Harman were extremely close
friends. So much so that when Dr. Harman's extremely rare 40ft
all-mahogany Stephens Brothers sail boat was docked next to
Angelo's own boat, the pair would work on their boats, go sailing,
and do boating activities together every weekend. They even
traveled together frequently with their wives on vacation. Bruce
Canepa recalls seeing the 300SL for the first time parked in Dr.
Harman's designated spot in the harbor parking lot at the age of
12, and has personally known this car since the early 1960s.
Dr. Harman enjoyed his 300SL regularly and as much as he could,
indicated by the service book stubs which show 44,000 miles by the
end of the 1950s. By the end of 1967, that number had grown to over
130,000 miles, possibly being one of the most-driven 300SL
Gullwings at that time.
As is the nature of many doctors who take fastidious notes, Dr.
Harman was no different. Records of services performed along with
hundreds of receipts for factory parts purchased, no matter how
small or large, from his local Mercedes-Benz dealership over the
course of his decades-long ownership. His notes were compiled
chronologically, with procedures and technical tips handwritten
that rival the factory's own manuals.
Dr. Harman ensured that the 300SL was treated to exceptional care
throughout his ownership, mirroring his commitment to his patients.
An engine rebuild was performed in 1973 by regional 300SL expert
Rudi Geipel. In 1986 the Gullwing was treated to a respray of its
original White (DB 50) color, and records show that the exterior
chrome was replated during this time period. Throughout his
ownership, his own records indicate that he was a complete
Mercedes-Benz owner who valued proper maintenance and keeping his
car in exceptional condition, both mechanical and cosmetic, and
enjoyed it fully until his passing in 1999.
4 years after Dr. Harman's passing, his wife Lillian decided that
it was time for the 300SL to be enjoyed by another member of the
community. Wanting to ensure that it was treated with the same
respect, care, and enjoyed properly, she hand picked its next
owner. A nearby Gull Wing Group member and accomplished mechanic,
Robert West, was chosen and became the car's next caretaker for the
next 2 decades. Within his family he had a standing order to not
wear shoes inside of the car, and that each family member knew to
not close the doors, hood, or trunk lid from more than 6" high.
West's door seal alignment allowed for gentle soft closure of the
panels, a "if you know you know" quality test of the proper
alignment of the doors and seals.
Upon arriving at Canepa this 300SL was given a complete and
extremely thorough inspection, going through every mechanical
system and cosmetic surface. After a lengthy visual, mechanical
inspection, and extended test drives, Canepa initiated the "Canepa
Difference" process on the Gullwing. All mechanical items were
addressed, whether a component or system needed repairing or
restoring, back to factory or better-than-new condition, to ensure
perfect drivability for the next 100,000 miles of driving. The
aerodynamic belly pans were removed and the 300SL was treated to a
complete concours-level detailing of the underside. Once completed,
the topside of the car including the engine bay, interior, and
trunk areas were cleaned in extreme detail. Lastly, the DB 50 White
paint was polished to a fantastic sheen using only foam pads and
polish. After all work was completed, the "Canepa Difference"
process invested over $100,000 over more than 8 months to bring it
to Gullwing perfection.
Legendary cars can be something more than just a mechanical mix of
components that get you from point A to B, and this 300SL was as
much a family member as it was a car. While many owners drove their
Mercedes-Benz Gullwing short distances to not add miles, Dr. Harman
did quite the opposite and enjoyed the car for literally over
130,000 miles in his personal 44 year ownership, to be passed onto
another like-minded owner who kept the car in excellent condition.
And after 68 years with just three owners, and Canepa's recent
sympathetic restoration and servicing, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz
300SL Gullwing is ready for another half a century of
enjoyment.
About the 300SL Gullwing
The 300SL has become a staple of many collectors "must have" items
in automotive collections, despite the Gullwing starting from
humble beginnings from an educated bet of a single person: Max
Hoffman. Hoffman was Mercedes-Benz's authorized United States
importer in the early 1950s. He also was/would become the importer
for BMW, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Jaguar. He correctly
guessed that the American public (specifically those with the
wherewithal) were looking for a luxury car that also had lots of
performance. Max's bet proved to be correct, with Mercedes-Benz
making 1,400 examples of the Gullwing, selling nearly 80% of them
to American buyers. Considered a resounding success, when the 300SL
was released it was considered the best sports car of its era.
The 300SL Gullwing succeeded because it was able to do two things
well, not just one. A full-blown luxury car along with a
record-breaking high-performance sports car, the Gullwing provided
huge performance in a luxurious package. With its dry-sump
3.0-liter engine producing 240hp via mechanical fuel injection and
its low-drag bodywork made it capable of reaching 163 miles per
hour. In today's speeds this doesn't seem high, but this was 65
years ago where many cars barely went past 100 miles an hour! A
4-speed manual transmission kept the driver engaged, and the cabin
inside was appointed like what you expected from a halo model from
Mercedes-Benz. They were luxurious, designed...for more information
please contact the seller.
