“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
The Mercedes Gullwing 300sl isn’t just a car; it’s a statement, an embodiment of automotive prophecy realized in steel and chrome. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, owning a piece of history, especially “the last” of a celebrated lineage, is a pursuit of unparalleled significance. This concept resonates deeply within the realm of vintage automobiles, where the quest for the ultimate specimen can span decades and command fortunes. While many iconic collectibles reside in museums or private vaults, the allure of possessing a definitive example, particularly of a groundbreaking sports car, remains an unparalleled aspiration.
Hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” the Mercedes Gullwing 300SL stands as a beacon of automotive excellence. Its captivating aesthetics, pioneering engineering, and exhilarating performance have cemented its place as an icon, captivating collectors and admirers across generations. Within Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious history, the 300SL Gullwing undeniably reigns supreme as their most significant and universally admired creation, embodying a legacy of victory, glamour, and automotive greatness.
The 300 SL Gullwing: A Car of the Future, Today
Griff Borgeson’s words in 1956 perfectly encapsulated the groundbreaking nature of the Mercedes Gullwing 300SL. It was more than just a vehicle; it was a vision of the future, available in the present. Born from the ashes of post-war Germany, the 300SL represented Mercedes-Benz’s triumphant return to the forefront of automotive innovation. Its very design was revolutionary, dictated by the need for a lightweight yet robust structure. The iconic gullwing doors weren’t a stylistic flourish, but a functional necessity arising from the car’s advanced spaceframe chassis – a technology directly inherited from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of the early 1950s. This spaceframe, a complex lattice of welded steel tubes, provided exceptional strength and rigidity while minimizing weight, a crucial factor in the car’s remarkable performance.
Ubiquity and Cultural Impact: Everywhere, All the Time, All at Once
Unlike many ultra-rare and exclusive mid-century exotics, the Mercedes Gullwing 300SL achieved a remarkable level of visibility. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 examples, a significant number for such a high-performance and luxurious vehicle. This relative ubiquity, coupled with its striking design, propelled the 300SL into the global cultural consciousness. It graced the silver screen, cruised down glamorous boulevards, and conquered grueling racetracks. From Hollywood Hills to European capitals, the Gullwing was a symbol of success, sophistication, and cutting-edge automotive engineering. While competitors like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa or Jaguar XKSS were coveted but scarce, the Mercedes Gullwing 300SL was a more tangible dream, albeit still exclusive, reinforcing its legendary status.
The “First Supercar” and its “Hypercar” Cousin
The Mercedes Gullwing 300SL is frequently cited as the “first supercar,” a testament to its groundbreaking performance and technological advancements. Its direct lineage to the 300 SLR racing car further solidified this reputation. The 300 SLR, often considered the “first hypercar,” boasted a 3.0-liter engine and lightweight magnesium bodywork, enabling it to reach astonishing speeds exceeding 180 mph. The unparalleled value of this racing heritage was underscored in 2022 when a 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold by RM Sotheby’s for an astounding $142 million, making it the most valuable car in history. This close relationship between the racing pedigree and the road-going Mercedes Gullwing 300SL amplified the latter’s desirability and collectibility. Beyond performance, the 300SL became synonymous with glamour and prestige, favored by socialites, business magnates, and celebrities. Mercedes-Benz offered a range of customization options, allowing owners to express their individuality, further enhancing the car’s appeal.
The Last Gullwing: A Singular Piece of History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079 – “The Last Gullwing.” This marked the end of an era for Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic model. This particular example began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Later, it was dispatched to the United States via the Mercedes-Benz distribution network on September 27, 1957. Interestingly, despite being the last of its kind, production of the succeeding 300 SL Roadster was already underway.
Factory records indicate that “The Last Gullwing” was originally finished in Fire Engine Red with a bespoke Crème leather interior, English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and wider Kronprinz wheels – features typically found on the 300 SL Roadster, likely due to its extended stay at the factory. Despite its significance, this unique Mercedes Gullwing 300SL initially faded into relative obscurity in America. However, it has enjoyed a fortunate existence under the stewardship of only four owners, retaining its original color scheme and matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, while believed to be original, has a slightly different recorded number, adding a layer of intrigue to its history. After being lovingly restored over several years by its most recent custodian, “The Last Gullwing” debuted at the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the model’s inaugural entry into this exclusive event. It garnered significant acclaim, securing 3rd in Class – a remarkable achievement that underscored the exceptional quality of its restoration.
The Enduring Appeal and Legacy
The Mercedes Gullwing 300SL has maintained its legendary status for over seven decades, not merely as a symbol of Hollywood glamour or motorsport triumph, but as an embodiment of an ideal – the relentless pursuit of perfection. “The Last Gullwing,” with its unparalleled provenance, represents more than just ownership; it offers an association with the enduring greatness of the Mercedes Gullwing 300SL legacy. Just as iconic artifacts like Michael Jordan’s final jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball transcend their material value, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a piece of automotive history. To possess this “last” example is to hold a tangible link to an era of automotive innovation, design brilliance, and enduring aspiration.
