“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
For collectors of vintage automobiles, owning the “last” of a prized model represents a unique achievement. It signifies possessing something truly singular, an item that by its very nature, cannot be replicated. In the realm of highly sought-after collectibles, the pursuit of the final example can span decades and involve significant investment. This quest becomes even more challenging when considering iconic models, often secured in museums or private collections, seemingly beyond reach.
The chance to acquire the last of any collectible is rare, but when it involves an automotive icon like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, it becomes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Celebrated as the “sportscar of the century,” the Mercedes Benz Sl300 Gullwing transcends mere transportation; it embodies a fusion of breathtaking design, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance. It stands as the most significant and universally admired vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s esteemed history, captivating collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
The allure of the “Last Gullwing” is undeniable. It is more than just a car; it’s a symbol connecting its owner to the Gullwing legacy – a legacy of victory, glamour, and unparalleled automotive achievement.
A Cultural Phenomenon: The Ubiquitous Gullwing
The Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing’s impact on 20th-century culture extends far beyond motorsport. Produced in notable quantities – 1,400 units between 1954 and 1957 – the Gullwing became a familiar sight, both on and off the racetrack.
Its distinctive design, dictated by the innovative lightweight spaceframe – derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954 – made the road-going 300 SL instantly recognizable. The mercedes benz sl300 gullwing was seemingly everywhere, from Hollywood film sets to scenic drives, gracing motor show floors and conquering race circuits. Unlike its contemporaries, such as the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity, becoming a symbol of its era.
This widespread presence was further amplified by its close relationship to the formidable 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955. Often referred to as the “first supercar,” the production Gullwing shared its DNA with the 3.0-liter SLR, which could be considered the “first hypercar.” The 300 SLR, boasting a lightweight magnesium body and a 300-horsepower engine, reached unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. In a testament to its historical importance and value, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold by RM Sotheby’s on behalf of Mercedes-Benz in 2022 for a staggering $142 million, establishing it as the most valuable car ever sold.
Beyond its performance and racing pedigree, the mercedes benz sl300 gullwing was embraced by socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. It became a statement of individuality, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and factory options to personalize their vehicles.
The technologically advanced 300 SL achieved countless victories in prestigious races and rallies. Yet, its remarkable success was matched by its elegance and desirability. The Gullwing became known as “a spacecraft on four wheels,” representing the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering.
The Last of its Kind: Chassis 7500079
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing.” This marked the end of an era for Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic model, a car whose legendary status remains unchallenged.
“The Last Gullwing” began as a special-order Standwagen, initially displayed at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. On September 27, 1957, it was dispatched to the United States Mercedes-Benz distribution network. While further show appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29 and its American shipment are undocumented, by the time 7500079 was released from exhibition duties, the factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies reveal that “The Last Gullwing” was originally finished in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a special-order full Crème leather interior (1060). It featured English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory stay, the wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its extraordinary significance, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, this remarkably original and correct example has been cherished by a select lineage of only four documented owners since new. It retains its factory-correct color combination and matching-numbers chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, 7500024, is also believed to be original.
After more than 25 years under its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing” emerged, beautifully restored. Its meticulous restoration earned it an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the model’s debut at this exclusive event. The judges and attendees lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class – a remarkable achievement and a testament to the quality of its restoration.
The Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing, as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, has maintained its iconic status for seven decades. It transcends fleeting trends, embodying not just Hollywood glamour or motorsport triumphs, but a timeless ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
“The Last Gullwing” represents an unparalleled opportunity, transcending mere ownership. To be associated with this mercedes benz sl300 gullwing is to be connected to greatness, to the legacy of the model and the visionaries who brought it to life.
Just as Michael Jordan’s final game jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball hold historical significance, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent ideal of collecting. Owning the “last” of a defining icon is to possess a tangible piece of history itself.
