“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 those captivated by the allure of vintage automobiles, owning the definitive, “last” example of a prized collectible represents an unparalleled achievement. This pursuit, particularly within the realm of niche vintage collectibles, can span decades and involve considerable investment, assuming such a treasure is even available outside the confines of museums or private collections. The chance to acquire the last of an iconic model, especially a sports car like the Mercedes Sl300 Gullwing, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, steeped in history and prestige.
Hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, often simply referred to as the mercedes sl300, stands as a testament to groundbreaking design, advanced engineering, and exhilarating performance. Its captivating aesthetics and unparalleled legacy firmly position it as the most significant and universally admired automobile in Mercedes-Benz’s celebrated history, continuing to enchant collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The mystique surrounding the “Last Gullwing” elevates this particular example to an even higher echelon, forever linking it and its future owner to the victories, glamour, and sheer greatness embodied by this iconic model.
Alt text: Side profile of a silver Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing classic car, highlighting its iconic gullwing doors and elegant design.
Everywhere, All the Time, All at Once: The Cultural Phenomenon of the 300 SL
The Mercedes SL300 Gullwing’s profound impact on 20th-century culture extends far beyond the realm of motorsport, largely due to its significant production numbers. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 Gullwing models, with many experiencing the thrill of competition on racetracks globally.
Instantly recognizable thanks to its daring and unconventional design – dictated by its lightweight spaceframe construction, inherited from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954 – the road-going mercedes sl300 Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. It graced the silver screen, cruised down Mulholland Drive, paraded along the Champs-Élysées, and even ventured into the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show halls to the winner’s circle, the Gullwing was present. In stark contrast to most collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the mercedes sl300 Gullwing distinguished itself through its widespread presence and accessibility.
Adding to its allure was the close technical and visual kinship with its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955. If the production Gullwing is considered the “first supercar”, then the 3.0-liter SLR cousin earned the title of “first hypercar,” effortlessly surpassing speeds of 180 mph thanks to its featherweight magnesium body and potent 300-horsepower engine. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for an astounding $142 million, solidifying its position as the most valuable car in history and further amplifying the legendary status of the mercedes sl300 lineage.
Alt text: Detailed interior view of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, highlighting the classic leather upholstery, elegant steering wheel, and meticulously crafted dashboard.
Beyond sports publications, the mercedes sl300 frequently appeared in entertainment news, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie icons, and royalty. The Gullwing also served as a canvas for personal expression, offering owners a wide spectrum of color combinations and factory options to tailor their vehicle to individual tastes.
The technologically advanced mercedes sl300 and its racing pedigree secured countless victories in prestigious sports car races, alongside numerous amateur rally, road, and endurance racing championships. However, the Gullwing’s most remarkable achievement lies in its ability to secure these accolades while simultaneously being celebrated as one of the most elegant, stylish, and desirable automobiles of the 20th century – often lauded as “a spacecraft on four wheels.”
The Last Gullwing: A Unique Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the definitive conclusion to the production run of their most celebrated model. This singular vehicle serves as the ultimate bookend to the mercedes sl300 Gullwing story, a model whose iconic status remains unchallenged.
“The Last Gullwing” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Subsequently, on September 27, 1957, it was integrated into the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States. While potential appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29 and its American dispatch remain undocumented, it is known that by the time 7500079 was released from exhibition duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of the succeeding 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 full Crème leather interior (1060), English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory stay, the wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Alt text: A Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing competing in a vintage race, demonstrating its rich motorsport history and dynamic performance.
Despite a period of relative obscurity in its early American years, this exceptionally significant and uniquely correct mercedes sl300 has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by a select lineage of only four documented owners. “The Last Gullwing” retains its factory-correct color scheme and matching numbers for chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, 7500024, is also believed to be original, despite data card discrepancies listing it as “324.”
Offered after more than 25 years under its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing” underwent a meticulous restoration, culminating in an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the model’s inaugural entry into this highly exclusive event. Judges and attendees lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class – a testament to the exceptional quality of its restoration.
Despite its undisputed position as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated and successful production model, the iconic mercedes sl300 Gullwing has maintained its captivating allure for seven decades. This enduring fascination stems not only from its embodiment of Hollywood glamour, racing triumphs, and fleeting beauty, but from its representation of an enduring ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
Unrivaled in provenance and significance as the final factory-produced mercedes sl300, “The Last Gullwing” offers an opportunity that transcends mere ownership. To be associated with this Gullwing is to be linked to greatness, and to the legacy of success forged by the model and those who contributed to its legend. Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, possessing “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent ideal of collecting – to hold a tangible piece of history itself.
