“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 celebrated model represents a unique pinnacle. It’s an exclusive position, holding something definitively finite, a piece of history that no one else can claim. In the realm of highly sought-after vintage collectibles, securing the final example of a prized item can be a pursuit spanning decades, involving significant investment, assuming such an item isn’t already secured in a museum or private collection, beyond reach.
The opportunity to possess the last of anything, particularly an automotive icon like a sports car, is incredibly rare. The Mercedes 300sl Gullwing stands as a testament to this. Widely acclaimed as the “sportscar of the century,” this vehicle seamlessly blends breathtaking aesthetics, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance. The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing transcends mere iconic status; it remains the most significant and universally admired automobile in the storied history of Mercedes-Benz.
The allure of “The Last Gullwing” transcends simple ownership. It’s a unique specimen that symbolically links its owner to the unparalleled achievements of this model: the victories, the prestige, and the sheer brilliance of the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.
A Cultural Phenomenon: The Ubiquitous Mercedes 300SL Gullwing
The impact of the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing on 20th-century culture extends far beyond motorsport. Produced in notable numbers—approximately 1,400 examples between 1954 and 1957—many of these Mercedes 300SL Gullwing cars were actively raced across the globe, further cementing its legendary status.
Instantly recognizable due to its distinctive gullwing doors, a design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis derived from the dominant W194 and W196 racing sports cars of the early 1950s, the road-going Mercedes 300SL Gullwing achieved an almost omnipresent status. It graced the silver screen, cruised down Mulholland Drive, was admired along the Champs-Élysées, and even ventured into the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show displays to the mud-splattered winner’s circle, the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing was everywhere. In contrast to other highly collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa or Jaguar XKSS, the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing distinguished itself through its remarkable visibility and accessibility.
This widespread recognition was further amplified by the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing‘s close technical and visual relationship with its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955. While the production Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is often hailed as the “first supercar,” the 3.0-liter SLR cousin could be considered the “first hypercar.” Boasting an ultra-lightweight magnesium body and a 300-horsepower engine, the 300 SLR achieved unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. In a landmark event in 2022, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for an astounding $142 million, solidifying its position as the most valuable car in history. This racing pedigree undeniably boosted the allure and collectibility of the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing.
Beyond its sporting achievements, the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing became synonymous with glamour and sophistication. It was frequently featured in entertainment news, associated with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing also offered a degree of personalization, allowing owners to specify custom color combinations and a range of factory options, further enhancing its appeal as a statement of individuality.
The technologically advanced Mercedes 300SL Gullwing secured countless victories in premier sports car races and numerous amateur championships. Yet, remarkably, the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing achieved these racing accolades while simultaneously establishing itself as one of the most elegant and desirable automobiles of the century – often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” This duality of performance and beauty cemented its legendary status.
“The Last Gullwing”: A Unique Piece of History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079. This car represents the final chapter in the production of the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, a model whose iconic status has remained unchallenged for decades. “The Last Gullwing” is not merely the final car off the line; it embodies the culmination of the entire Mercedes 300SL Gullwing legacy.
This particular Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, chassis 7500079, began its journey as a special-order Standwagen. It was initially showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before being dispatched to the United States Mercedes-Benz distribution network on September 27, 1957. While any appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its shipment to America remain undocumented, it is clear that “The Last Gullwing” was treated as a significant vehicle from the outset. By the time chassis 7500079 was released from its exhibition duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory records indicate that “The Last Gullwing” was originally finished in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a special-order full Crème leather (1060) interior. It also featured English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, due to its extended stay at the factory, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels, typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its inherent significance, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, this exceptionally unique and remarkably original example has been cherished by a select lineage of only four recorded owners from new. “The Last Gullwing” still retains its factory-correct color combination and boasts matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, while recorded as “324” on data cards, is believed to be original (number 7500024).
After over 25 years under the care of its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing” emerged beautifully restored. This meticulous restoration culminated in an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the model’s inaugural entry into this highly exclusive event. The judges and attendees lauded chassis 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class – a remarkable debut and a testament to the quality of its restoration.
The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, despite its undisputed status as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, has maintained its prominent position in the automotive world for seven decades. This enduring fascination stems not only from its association with Hollywood glamour, motorsport triumphs, or its captivating beauty, but because the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing has always represented an ideal: the pursuit of automotive perfection.
“The Last Gullwing,” unparalleled in provenance and significance as the final factory-delivered example of the iconic super-leicht, offers an ownership opportunity that transcends the purely material. To be associated with this Mercedes 300SL Gullwing is to be linked to greatness, to the legacy of the model, and to the visionaries who made its success possible.
Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent form of collecting. Possessing the “last” of an era-defining artifact is to hold a tangible piece of history. The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, in its ultimate form as “The Last Gullwing,” represents precisely that.
