“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
Owning the definitive last of any prized collectible elevates its custodian to a unique position. In the realm of vintage automobiles, the pursuit of the final example can span decades, demanding significant resources, assuming such a treasure is even accessible outside museum vaults or private collections. The chance to possess the last of an iconic sportscar, particularly a Mercedes Benz 300sl, represents an unparalleled opportunity.
The Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing, often celebrated as the “sportscar of the century,” stands as an automotive icon. Its breathtaking design, cutting-edge engineering, and exhilarating performance continue to enthrall collectors worldwide. Within the storied history of Mercedes-Benz, the 300SL remains their most significant and universally admired creation. This article delves into the enduring legacy of the Mercedes Benz 300SL, focusing on what makes it so special and desirable, especially the unique allure of owning the “Last Gullwing”.
The Ubiquitous Icon: Mercedes Benz 300SL’s Global Presence
The Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing’s impact extended far beyond motorsport, permeating 20th-century culture thanks to its relatively substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 Gullwings, with many seeing competitive action on racetracks globally.
Its distinctive silhouette, born from the necessity of its lightweight spaceframe—derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sportscars of 1952 and 1954—made the road-going 300SL Gullwing instantly recognizable. It seemed to be everywhere, gracing the silver screen, cruising down Mulholland Drive, parading along the Champs-Élysées, and even venturing into the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show displays to the winner’s circle’s grit, the 300SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity, unlike most exclusive mid-century exotics from Ferrari, BMW, Lamborghini, and Jaguar.
Alt text: Elegant Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing displayed in showroom, highlighting its iconic design.
The Mercedes Benz 300SL’s close technical and aesthetic kinship with the dominant 300 SLR racing sportscar of 1955 further enhanced its appeal. Often dubbed the “first supercar,” the production Gullwing’s 3.0-liter SLR cousin pushed boundaries as the “first hypercar.” With its lightweight magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine, the 300 SLR achieved unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for a record-breaking $142 million, solidifying its status as the most valuable car ever sold.
Beyond sports pages, the Mercedes Benz 300SL frequently appeared in entertainment sections, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The 300SL also offered a canvas for individuality, allowing owners to customize color combinations and factory options to their taste.
Alt text: Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing driving along scenic coastal highway, showcasing its sporty silhouette.
The technologically advanced Mercedes Benz 300SL garnered countless victories in prestigious sportscar races and numerous amateur championships. Remarkably, the Gullwing achieved these motorsport laurels while simultaneously being celebrated as one of the most elegant and desirable automobiles of the century – often lauded as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” Its blend of performance and panache cemented its legendary status.
The Last Gullwing: An Unrivaled Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the final chapter of their most iconic model’s production. Its fame has only intensified over time, remaining undiminished.
“The Last Gullwing” began as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Subsequently, it joined the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States on September 27, 1957. While details of any appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its American dispatch remain undocumented, by the time chassis 7500079 finished its exhibition duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already produced several of the succeeding 300 SL Roadster models.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies reveal “The Last Gullwing” was originally finished in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with special-order Crème leather (1060) interior. It also featured English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, indicative of its extended factory stay, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster.
Alt text: Luxurious interior of Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing with creme leather upholstery and classic instrumentation.
Despite its profound significance and unique status, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early American years in relative obscurity. However, this exceptional example has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners since new. “The Last Gullwing” retains its factory-correct color scheme and matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, 7500024, is also believed to be original, though data card copies record it as simply “324.”
After over 25 years under its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing” emerged, beautifully restored through years of dedicated effort. Its debut at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance marked the model’s inaugural entry into this prestigious event. Judges and attendees alike were captivated by chassis 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class – a remarkable debut and a testament to the restoration’s quality.
The Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing, despite its undisputed position as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, has maintained its iconic status for seven decades. It embodies not just Hollywood glamour, motorsport triumphs, or fleeting aesthetic appeal, but a lasting ideal: the pursuit of excellence.
“The Last Gullwing,” unparalleled in provenance and significance as the final factory-delivered example of the legendary super-leicht, represents an opportunity that transcends mere ownership. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, echoing the model’s successes and the individuals who contributed to its enduring legacy.
Much like Michael Jordan’s last game-worn jersey or Babe Ruth’s final home run ball, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent ideal of collecting, surpassing its mechanical nature. Possessing the “last” of anything that defined an era means holding a tangible piece of history itself, and in the automotive world, few pieces of history are as compelling as the Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing.
