“The 300 SL is prophecy incarnate. It’s a pace-setter, a style-setter, a design conception that is bound to influence the world’s automotive industry for many years to come… Literally, the 300 SL is a car of the future that can be possessed today…it’s just about impossible to duplicate what the 300SL has to offer at any price.”
—Griff Borgeson, Sports Cars Illustrated, April 1956
The pursuit of owning the ultimate collectible, “the last” of a prized possession, resonates deeply within the collector community. This desire, fueled by chance, patience, determination, privilege, or sheer luck, sets the owner apart, possessing something uniquely finite. In the realm of vintage collectibles, particularly iconic automobiles, the quest to secure the final example can span decades and involve significant investments. Often, these ultimate pieces are beyond reach, residing in museums or private collections, shielded from public acquisition.
The chance to own the last of anything, especially an automotive icon, is a rare and unparalleled opportunity. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, often hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” embodies this iconic status. Its breathtaking aesthetics, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance have cemented its place as the most significant and admired vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s celebrated history, captivating collectors worldwide.
The “Last Gullwing,” presented here, is more than just a car; it’s a symbol. It encapsulates the triumphs, the glamour, and the sheer excellence associated with this legendary model, forever linking its owner to the 300 SL’s remarkable legacy.
A Ubiquitous Icon of the 20th Century
The 300 SL Gullwing’s impact on 20th-century culture transcends motorsport, largely due to its significant production numbers. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 Gullwings, with many seeing competitive action on racetracks globally.
Instantly recognizable for its distinctive gullwing doors, a design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of the early 1950s, the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. It graced the silver screen, cruised down Mulholland Drive, paraded along the Champs-Élysées, and even ventured into the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show displays to the winner’s circle, the 300 SL was omnipresent. In contrast to other highly collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing was remarkably accessible and visible.
Side profile view of a classic silver 300SL Mercedes Gullwing, highlighting its iconic door design and sleek lines.
The 300 SL’s close technical and visual relationship to its racing sibling, the 300 SLR of 1955, further enhanced its allure. If the production Gullwing is considered the “first supercar,” the 3.0-liter SLR cousin, capable of exceeding 180 mph thanks to its magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine, could be argued as the “first hypercar.” In a landmark event in 2022, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for an astounding $142 million on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, solidifying its position as the most valuable car ever sold.
Beyond the sports pages, the 300 SL Mercedes frequently appeared in entertainment news, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The 300 SL was also a canvas for personalization, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and factory options to express their individuality.
The 300 SL’s advanced technology and racing pedigree led to countless victories in prestigious sports car races and numerous amateur championships. Yet, what truly distinguishes the Gullwing is its ability to achieve these sporting accolades while simultaneously being celebrated as one of the most elegant, stylish, and desirable automobiles of the 20th century – often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels.”
“The Last Gullwing”: A Unique Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the definitive end to the production of their most iconic model, a car whose legendary status remains unchallenged.
This particular 300sl Mercedes, “The Last Gullwing,” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen (exhibition car). It was first showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before being dispatched to the United States Mercedes-Benz distribution network on September 27, 1957. While its exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29 and its shipment to America remain undocumented, it’s known that by the time 7500079 was released from show duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory records indicate “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a special-order Crème leather interior (1060), English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory stay, the wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Front three-quarter view of the Fire Engine Red 300SL Mercedes Gullwing, highlighting its iconic grille and headlamp design.
Despite its extraordinary significance, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, this remarkably unique and meticulously preserved vehicle has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners since new. It retains its factory-correct color scheme and matching numbers for chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. The rear axle, number 7500024, is also believed to be original, although factory data card copies list it as simply “324.”
After over 25 years in the care of its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing” emerged, beautifully restored over several years by its owner. This meticulous restoration culminated in an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the 300SL Gullwing’s debut at this highly exclusive event. The judges and attendees were captivated by 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class – a remarkable achievement and a testament to the quality of its restoration.
The 300 SL Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated and successful production model, has maintained its iconic status for seven decades. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its Hollywood glamour, motorsport victories, or captivating beauty, but in embodying an ideal: the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“The Last Gullwing,” unparalleled in provenance and significance as the final chapter of the super-leicht saga, offers an opportunity that transcends mere ownership. To be seen in this 300SL Mercedes Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, inheriting the legacy of its triumphs and the visionaries who made its success possible.
Similar to Michael Jordan’s last game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s final home run ball, Diego Maradona’s last cleats, or Picasso’s final masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” represents a transcendent ideal of collecting. To possess the “last” of an era-defining icon is to hold a tangible piece of history itself.
