“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 automotive history, owning the definitive “last” of a prized model represents a unique pinnacle. It’s a pursuit often spanning decades, demanding immense resources, and hinging on the sheer availability of such a singular artifact. Many ultimate examples of the world’s most coveted collectibles are beyond reach, enshrined in museums or corporate vaults. This makes the rare opportunity to acquire the final iteration of an iconic sports car, such as the Mercedes Benz Sl300, an almost mythical prospect.
The Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing, frequently hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” is celebrated for its breathtaking aesthetics, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance. It stands as a towering figure among classic sports car designs, captivating enthusiasts and collectors even today. Undeniably, the 300 SL Gullwing remains the most significant and universally admired vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz throughout their illustrious history.
The notion of “The Last Gullwing” elevates this concept to another level. It is a unique specimen, embodying the symbolic weight of being the culmination of an era. Owning it links its custodian to the triumphs, prestige, and unparalleled legacy of this remarkable model.
EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME, ALL AT ONCE
The cultural impact of the Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing in the 20th century extends far beyond motorsports, largely because of its relatively substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured 1,400 Gullwing models, with a significant number seeing competitive action on racetracks globally.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional design—dictated by its lightweight spaceframe, derived from the dominant W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing seemed to be omnipresent. It graced the silver screen and winding roads like Mulholland Drive, Parisian boulevards and Arctic landscapes, motor show displays and winner’s circles alike. Unlike most highly collectible mid-century exotics from marques like Ferrari, BMW, Lamborghini, and Jaguar, the 300 SL Gullwing achieved iconic status through its remarkable ubiquity.
Alt text: Side profile of a silver Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing showcasing its iconic gullwing doors and sleek design.
The Mercedes Benz SL300 also benefited immensely from its close technical and visual kinship with its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR of 1955. If the production Gullwing is considered the “first supercar,” then its 3.0-liter SLR cousin earned the title of “first hypercar.” The 300 SLR, with its ultra-lightweight magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine, effortlessly surpassed speeds of 180 mph. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for Mercedes-Benz for an astounding $142 million, establishing it as the most valuable automobile in history.
Beyond the sports pages, the Mercedes Benz SL300 frequently appeared in entertainment sections, consistently linked to socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The 300 SL also championed individuality, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and factory options to personalize their vehicles.
The technologically advanced Mercedes Benz SL300 and its racing pedigree secured countless victories in prestigious international sports car races, alongside numerous amateur rally, road, and endurance racing championships. However, the most extraordinary achievement of the Gullwing was its ability to combine these sporting accolades with an aura of elegance, sophistication, and desirability. It became known as a “spacecraft on four wheels,” embodying both performance and high style.
THE LAST GULLWING
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing.” This singular car marked the end of the production run for Mercedes-Benz’s most pivotal model, whose legendary status remains undiminished.
“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 exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its American shipment remain undocumented, by the time chassis 7500079 was released from show duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already produced several units of the succeeding 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies for “The Last Gullwing” reveal an original specification of Fire Engine Red (DB 534) exterior with special-order Crème leather (1060) interior, English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory presence, the wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster.
Alt text: Close-up of the interior of a Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing showcasing the creme leather seats, dashboard, and classic steering wheel.
Despite its immense historical significance and exceptional originality, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, it has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners from new. “The Last Gullwing” retains its factory-correct color scheme and matching-numbers chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, number 7500024, is also believed to be original, despite factory data card copies simply noting “324.”
After over 25 years in the care of its most recent private owner, “The Last Gullwing” emerged beautifully restored. The owner’s meticulous restoration culminated in an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the model’s debut at this ultra-exclusive event. Judges and attendees lauded chassis 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a remarkable achievement and a powerful testament to the quality of its restoration.
Despite its undisputed status as Mercedes-Benz’s most renowned and successful production model, the iconic Mercedes Benz SL300 Gullwing has maintained its captivating allure for seven decades. This enduring appeal stems not only from its association with Hollywood glamour, motorsport victories, and fleeting beauty, but from its embodiment of an ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
Unmatched in provenance and significance as the final factory-produced Mercedes Benz SL300, “The Last Gullwing” offers an opportunity that transcends mere ownership. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, with the model’s triumphs and the individuals who made those triumphs possible.
Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, Diego Maradona’s final cleats, or Picasso’s last masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” represents a transcendent level of collecting. Possessing the “last” of an era-defining artifact is to hold a tangible piece of history itself.
