For Sale at Auction: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 in Newport, Rhode Island

Chassis No. CA497070

Needing little introduction, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL stands among the most highly regarded sports cars of the early postwar era. By the 1980s, both the Gullwing Coupe and Roadster had settled into blue-chip collector territory; its values climbing to a point where owners grew wary of using their increasingly precious originals. Anton "Tony" Ostermeier, a former Mercedes-Benz employee and 300 SL owner himself, understood that dilemma firsthand. Ostermeier founded the Gull-Wing Car Company in Gardena, California, and over the following years produced what is widely regarded as the finest 300 SL Gullwing recreation ever built, a car precise enough that longtime Mercedes-Benz specialists have struggled to tell it apart from an original at a glance.

Ostermeier's recreations were engineered from the ground up with each car being built around a purpose-built welded square-tube steel chassis modeled after the original W198 spaceframe. The body panels were formed from a high-tech fiber metal laminate made of thin aluminum sheets layered with glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy, referred to as GLARE as used in the aircraft industry. The molds were created directly from an original 300 SL to recreate its distinct proportions. The fit and finish are to exceptionally high standards, the product of extensive hand craftsmanship at every stage of construction. The result proved so convincing that examples of Ostermeier's reproduction trim and body components have been used in the restoration of genuine 300 SLs. Functioning gullwing doors and a faithfully recreated dashboard and VDO gauges preserve the cockpit's period ambience. Beneath the skin, Ostermeier fitted contemporary Mercedes-Benz W124 running gear, including a fuel-injected 3.0-liter M103 inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, along with independent suspension, four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes, power steering, and air conditioning.

This particular example rides on Rudge-style knock-off wheels, correct style to the original W198, and is fitted with a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, a departure from the original 300 SL's own wheel but a fitting period touch inside the cabin. Finished in Midnight Blue over a striking Red leather interior, it is offered with just 9,627 miles at cataloging.

While total Ostermeier production remains a closely guarded secret, it is believed that just 50 Gullwing Coupes were built. Each car was constructed largely to individual customer specification, with low-mileage examples residing within in significant Mercedes-Benz collections. Representing an intriguing alternative to the original 300 SL, these cars are increasingly sought after for their added comfort and convenience. This example stands as an ideal addition to any vintage car collection and the perfect complement to an original 300 SL.