1957 Mercedes - Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe

Engine No. 198.980.7500075 Body No. A198.040.7500068Transmission No. 7500085Front Spindles No. 7500075Rear axle No. 7500077Born from a remarkable confluence of racing ingenuity and market insight, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing emerged as one of the most consequential sports cars of the twentieth century. Its lineage traces directly to the W194 Coupe, the 1952 competition machine conceived by Mercedes-Benz engineers to reassert the marque's post-war dominance against Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Lancia. Chief Engineer Fritz Nallinger, Test Department manager Rudolf Uhlenhaut, and construction engineer Joseph Müller created an exceptionally light and rigid 70-kilogram tubular space frame to support the proven single-overhead-cam inline-six from the stately Mercedes 300 series. The frame's high side members, essential to the car's structural integrity, made conventional doors impossible, giving rise instead to the now-legendary roof-hinged ''gullwing'' design.The W194's competition record was immediate and emphatic: second place at the Mille Miglia, a dominant sweep at the Grand Prix of Berne, and a 1-2 finish at Le Mans-after which the cars were famously driven back to Stuttgart. These successes caught the attention of New York importer Max Hoffman, who recognized the American appetite for a road-going version of this formidable machine. His advocacy proved decisive. Mercedes-Benz approved a production sports car, unveiling the 300 SL at the 1954 New York International Motor Sports Show.For the road, the 300 SL Coupe adopted a streamlined body and introduced Bosch direct mechanical fuel injection, which elevated output by 25 PS over the carbureted racer. The engine was angled 50 degrees to the left, along with dry sump lubrication, to lower the hood line and improve aerodynamic efficiency. With its lightweight construction-just 1,300 kilograms-the Gullwing could reach 260 km/h, earning its reputation as the fastest German production sports car of its day.Beginning as order 856 350, this 300 SL Coupe, chassis 7500071, completed production on 13 May 1957. Only 70 Gullwings were produced in the final production year of 1957 with this car being the ninth-to-last chassis ever produced by Mercedes and, more importantly, the penultimate Gullwing delivered from the factory according to Eric Le Moine's register. Ordered in Fire Engine Red (534) over a special-order Cream Leather (1060) interior, it was additionally equipped with a Becker Mexico radio, automatic antenna, bumper overriders, sealed-beam headlights, and instrumentation with English lettering. It also features the desirable 3.64 rear axle ratio for higher speed at lower revs, whereas 3.89 was standard for US-specification examples.It was then shipped to Los Angeles, California USA, on 21 May, where it was bought new by Donald H. Bueermann of Portland, Oregon. Having recently completed his Master of Business Administration from Stanford in 1955, Bueermann was an up-and-coming stockbroker when he purchased the Mercedes at just 28 years old. The Gullwing remained in Portland when it passed through the care of Howard Hanna before heading to Spokane, Washington, with Arthur L.W. True. It is believed that during this period, the original Cream Leather was surface dyed in black.The Mercedes remained in True's care until his passing in 1967, when his family donated the already collectible vintage car just 10 years after production his collection to the acclaimed Henry Ford Museum of Dearborn, Michigan. With the museum focused on American innovation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness, it was decided to sell the Gullwing in 1968, where it was acquired by Richard F. Silcher of Jackson, Michigan. Wanting to put the car on public display, Silcher brought it to Auburn, Indiana, where it was displayed in the Special Interest Gallery of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg (ACD) Automobile Museum.After 50 years on display at the ACD Museum, Silcher made the decision to part with his 300 SL in 2018. Remarkably, the car displayed just 36,375 miles, which was recorded as the total when it entered the museum in 1968. Its current caretaker brought the Gullwing back across the Atlantic, returning it to Europe for the first time since May 1957. Under their care, the car received mechanical attention to ensure its roadworthiness after decades of preservation. Additional work included a comprehensive detailing that revealed the true extent of the car's impressive level of originality. While only minor areas of the rear end lower parts were resprayed during the past 68 years, most of the bodywork proudly wears its original, factory applied coat of Fire Engine Red paintwork. Inside, the original Roser leather was expertly cleaned to remove the black surface dye that was applied early in its life revealing its original Cream color underneath. The engine compartment and undercarriage retains many original factory-applied paint markings along with the original tags and stickers still affixed to the coolant, oil reservoir, and fuel tank.The car was inspected into the finest detail by noted 300 SL expert Ben Valkenburg who was impressed not only by the car's condition, but the level of original detail still present. Ben is noted by saying “You can never get a 300SL to drive and handle like an unrestored one coming from the factory. The few people who have got the change today to still have an engine from the factory that has never been opened know the difference. There is nothing like it.” He also noted that it is likely one of the most original examples extant. Surely impressed by the current owner, has thoroughly enjoyed this remarkable 300 SL, covering over 4,000 memorable miles in it, with the added peace of mind that the original tool kit and jack are still present should the need arise. Today, the car shows an astonishing low odometer reading of just 40,420 original miles or approximately 65,000 kilometers at the time of consignment with the bodywork showing beautifully original with excellent panel gaps aligning with the factory standard.With numerous other Gullwings benefiting from a comprehensive restoration, this example stands proudly as one of the most original, undisturbed examples extant. With just 1,400 examples produced from 1954 through 1957, collectors have long treasured the 300 SL for its innovative engineering that brought true race-car technology to the road, from its space-frame chassis to the world's first fuel-injected production-car engine. Beyond the numbers and technical daring, its unmistakable silhouette and direct connection to endurance-racing triumphs have allowed the 300 SL Gullwing to transcend eras as a defining icon of post-war automotive history. This highly original example stands as the ideal addition to any collection, as it would surely be considered for some of the world's most prestigious motoring events including Mille Miglia Storica, and Colorado Grand or as the ideal candidate for the preservation class at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.