1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING Chassis No. 198040-4500167 Engine No. 198980-4500187 White with green vinyl interior Engine: six cylinder, in-line, single overhead camshaft, 2,996cc, 250bhp at 6,200rpm; Gearbox: four speed synchromesh manual; Suspension: double wishbone front with coil springs and anti-sway bar, rear, swing axle with radius rods and coil springs; Brakes: vacuum-assisted four wheel finned drums. Left hand drive. When Mercedes-Benz returned to motor racing in 1952, they dominated the major long distance sports car events with their futuristically-styled 300SL race cars. Considerable pressure and a guaranteed 1,000 orders from the Mercedes New York agent convinced Stuttgart to produce a street version of the 300SL, duly launched at the New York Auto Show to ecstatic acclaim. It closely resembled the race car except that, with all-steel bodywork, appropriate road equipment and larger doors, it was even more stunning. To resolve the carburetor location problems, it was the first production car to have Bosch direct fuel injection, with a resultant increase in power to 240bhp. These cars were not only sensational in appearance, but they also had a performance that only race drivers normally experienced. It was not surprising that such drivers were eager to buy them, and in order to extract the maximum performance, which ranged from 150-165mph depending on axle ratios, one needed their expert skills. The swing axle rear suspension and drum brakes did require considerable respect when driving on the limit. Even so, these highly specialized and very expensive cars sold amazingly well and 1,400 were hand-built in three years. This Gullwing offered here is a definite candidate for a complete restoration and offers the buyer an honest, straight and complete package. Originally delivered to Saudi Arabia on January 20, 1955, this appears to be the last car built in 1954 and originally sported DB 274 light green metallic paint with green vinyl and green plaid interior. It's believed that this Gullwing has not seen much, if any, use in approximately 30 years as the vehicle was found with a temporary Connecticut tag issued in 1974. Repainted to white with new green vinyl seats an unknown number of years ago, with perhaps a replacement drivers-side door, this Gullwing appears to be relatively complete except for luggage. Christie's is pleased to offer this incredibly rare opportunity that warrants a committed buyer for one of the earliest Gullwings made.
1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING Chassis No. 198040-4500167 Engine No. 198980-4500187 White with green vinyl interior Engine: six cylinder, in-line, single overhead camshaft, 2,996cc, 250bhp at 6,200rpm; Gearbox: four speed synchromesh manual; Suspension: double wishbone front with coil springs and anti-sway bar, rear, swing axle with radius rods and coil springs; Brakes: vacuum-assisted four wheel finned drums. Left hand drive. When Mercedes-Benz returned to motor racing in 1952, they dominated the major long distance sports car events with their futuristically-styled 300SL race cars. Considerable pressure and a guaranteed 1,000 orders from the Mercedes New York agent convinced Stuttgart to produce a street version of the 300SL, duly launched at the New York Auto Show to ecstatic acclaim. It closely resembled the race car except that, with all-steel bodywork, appropriate road equipment and larger doors, it was even more stunning. To resolve the carburetor location problems, it was the first production car to have Bosch direct fuel injection, with a resultant increase in power to 240bhp. These cars were not only sensational in appearance, but they also had a performance that only race drivers normally experienced. It was not surprising that such drivers were eager to buy them, and in order to extract the maximum performance, which ranged from 150-165mph depending on axle ratios, one needed their expert skills. The swing axle rear suspension and drum brakes did require considerable respect when driving on the limit. Even so, these highly specialized and very expensive cars sold amazingly well and 1,400 were hand-built in three years. This Gullwing offered here is a definite candidate for a complete restoration and offers the buyer an honest, straight and complete package. Originally delivered to Saudi Arabia on January 20, 1955, this appears to be the last car built in 1954 and originally sported DB 274 light green metallic paint with green vinyl and green plaid interior. It's believed that this Gullwing has not seen much, if any, use in approximately 30 years as the vehicle was found with a temporary Connecticut tag issued in 1974. Repainted to white with new green vinyl seats an unknown number of years ago, with perhaps a replacement drivers-side door, this Gullwing appears to be relatively complete except for luggage. Christie's is pleased to offer this incredibly rare opportunity that warrants a committed buyer for one of the earliest Gullwings made.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
