1956 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING Chassis No. 5500110 Engine No. 500099 Red with tan leather interior and tan leather fitted luggage Engine: six cylinder, in-line, 2,996cc., 240bhp at 6,100rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: independent front and rear; Brakes: hydraulic drum. Left hand drive. When Mercedes-Benz returned to motor racing in 1952, they dominated the major long distance sports car events with futuristically styled 300 SL 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 300 SL Gullwing, which they launched at the New York Motor Show to ecstatic acclaim. It closely resembled the Mercedes 300 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 had a performance that only race drivers normally experienced. It was not surprising that sports car enthusiasts were eager to buy and extract its maximum performance which exceeded 150mph. 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 handsome 300SL Gullwing was delivered new to New York City and was originally finished in silver with blue plaid upholstery. It appears that this Mercedes-Benz was fully restored a few years ago and has had very limited use since then. The paintwork is highly presentable and only upon very close inspection can a few micro blisters be seen. There are also a few minor stone chips to the nose area. The new upholstery seems very clean and smart with no signs of wear. The engine bay is also very well presented and has nice restoration details such as the yellow chalk marks as employed by the factory to indicate if any joints have worked loose. On a recent inspection and short test drive the engine ran smoothly and the car felt taut. A stainless exhaust system is fitted, however there are no belly pans. The Michelin tires appear in good condition. This Gullwing is equipped with its correct Becker Mexico radio, its spare wheel, a small tool roll in the trunk and comes with a desirable set of matching luggage.
1956 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING Chassis No. 5500110 Engine No. 500099 Red with tan leather interior and tan leather fitted luggage Engine: six cylinder, in-line, 2,996cc., 240bhp at 6,100rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: independent front and rear; Brakes: hydraulic drum. Left hand drive. When Mercedes-Benz returned to motor racing in 1952, they dominated the major long distance sports car events with futuristically styled 300 SL 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 300 SL Gullwing, which they launched at the New York Motor Show to ecstatic acclaim. It closely resembled the Mercedes 300 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 had a performance that only race drivers normally experienced. It was not surprising that sports car enthusiasts were eager to buy and extract its maximum performance which exceeded 150mph. 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 handsome 300SL Gullwing was delivered new to New York City and was originally finished in silver with blue plaid upholstery. It appears that this Mercedes-Benz was fully restored a few years ago and has had very limited use since then. The paintwork is highly presentable and only upon very close inspection can a few micro blisters be seen. There are also a few minor stone chips to the nose area. The new upholstery seems very clean and smart with no signs of wear. The engine bay is also very well presented and has nice restoration details such as the yellow chalk marks as employed by the factory to indicate if any joints have worked loose. On a recent inspection and short test drive the engine ran smoothly and the car felt taut. A stainless exhaust system is fitted, however there are no belly pans. The Michelin tires appear in good condition. This Gullwing is equipped with its correct Becker Mexico radio, its spare wheel, a small tool roll in the trunk and comes with a desirable set of matching luggage.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
