“The 300 SL is prophecy incarnate… 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 those captivated by the world of vintage automobiles, owning the definitive last example of a coveted model represents the pinnacle of collecting. It’s an achievement born of passion, perseverance, and perhaps a touch of serendipity. In the rarefied realm of classic cars, the quest for the ultimate specimen can span decades and involve considerable investment, often hindered by the fact that many prized vehicles are permanently enshrined in museums or private collections, beyond the reach of individual enthusiasts. The opportunity to acquire the very last of an iconic sports car is, therefore, an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime prospect.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, frequently hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” stands as a testament to groundbreaking design, advanced engineering, and exhilarating performance. Its allure transcends generations, firmly establishing it as the most significant and celebrated automobile in Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious history. The chance to possess “The Last Gullwing” is more than just ownership; it’s an embrace of the legacy, the triumphs, and the sheer brilliance embodied by this legendary model.
A Global Phenomenon: The Ubiquity of the 300 SL Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s impact on 20th-century culture extends far beyond the racetrack, largely due to its relatively significant production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 Gullwings, with many seeing competitive action on circuits worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional gullwing doors – a design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe, derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954 – the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved an almost ubiquitous presence. It graced the silver screen, cruised along Mulholland Drive, turned heads on the Champs-Élysées, and even ventured to the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show displays to the mud-splattered winner’s circles, the Gullwing was everywhere. In contrast to other highly sought-after mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa or Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing was remarkable in its widespread visibility.
Its close technical and aesthetic kinship with its racing sibling, the 300 SLR of 1955, further enhanced the 300 SL Gullwing’s appeal. If the production Gullwing is considered by many to be the “first supercar,” then the 3.0-liter SLR, capable of speeds exceeding 180 mph thanks to its magnesium body and 300 horsepower engine, might be termed the “first hypercar.” In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for an astounding $142 million, solidifying its position as the most valuable car ever sold.
Beyond the sports pages, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing frequently appeared in entertainment sections, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, Hollywood stars, and royalty. The Gullwing was also a canvas for individuality, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and factory options to personalize their vehicles.
The technologically advanced 300 SL Gullwing’s racing pedigree resulted in countless victories in prestigious international sports car races, along with numerous amateur rally and endurance championships. Yet, its most remarkable achievement may be its ability to combine these sporting accolades with unparalleled elegance and desirability. The Gullwing was, and remains, “a spacecraft on four wheels.”
“The Last Gullwing”: A Singular Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the final chapter for their most iconic model, a car whose legendary status remains undiminished.
“The Last Gullwing” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before being dispatched to the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States on September 27, 1957. While further exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its American shipment remain undocumented, by the time 7500079 concluded its promotional duties, the factory had already commenced production of the successor 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies reveal that “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, due to its extended factory stay, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
After its initial period in America, this exceptionally significant and remarkably original car transitioned into relative obscurity, enjoying 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, 7500024, is also believed to be original.
After more than 25 years under the care of its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing,” beautifully restored over several years, debuted at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – a historic moment as it was the first time the model was accepted into this prestigious event. The judges and attendees lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class, a testament to the quality of its restoration.
Despite its undisputed position as Mercedes-Benz’s most renowned production model, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing has held the spotlight for seven decades. This enduring fascination stems not just from its Hollywood glamour, motorsport victories, or captivating beauty, but from its embodiment of an ideal: the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Unmatched in provenance and significance as the final Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing produced, “The Last Gullwing” presents an opportunity that transcends mere ownership. To be seen in this car is to be associated with the greatness of the model and the people who forged its legendary status.
Like Michael Jordan’s final game jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, “The Last Gullwing” transcends its mechanical nature, embodying a profound ideal of collecting: to possess the “last” of an era-defining icon is to hold a tangible piece of history itself.
