A rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing was recently auctioned at the Mecum Auctions Glendale. The one-of-a-kind mittelgrün version of the auto was successfully sold for $1.82 million, making it the top-selling product of the event.
About the Latest Mecum Auctions
According to ABC15, the recent auction marked Mecum’s second-best year so far. Overall, the auctioneer grossed $56 million from the event that ran from March 28 to April 1. Out of the 1,667 vehicles and auto memorabilia items it offered, 76 percent or 1,266 of them were sold.
Despite having the same sales volume as its 2022 event, the numbers were around $10 million shy of matching the record that was set in that period. The highest sales of Mecum by far is $66.3 million.
The Rare Mittelgrün 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
A rare gem in the world of classic cars, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing in Mittelgrun paint code, was sold at the Mecum auctions in Glendale, Arizona. The hammer price of the auto was $1.82 million, which was within its estimated cost of $1.8 million to $2.2 million prior to the sale.
The vehicle’s uniqueness stems from the fact that it is the only 300 SL Gullwing produced in this specific color. With only 1,400 units produced between 1954 and 1957, this vehicle is a true collector’s item.
The car traces its history to Max Hoffman, the owner of Mercedes-Benz Distributors of New York. The same person was the one who suggested the production of the grand-touring coupe based on the famed W194 Grand Prix racer, giving birth to the 300 SL.
The Gullwing possessing the Chassis No. 5500263 was specially produced for the US soil. It was rolled out of the Mercedes plant on April 30, 1955, prior to being shipped via Hoffman’s company.
In 1973, the vehicle was acquired by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation, where it remained for more than four decades. Between 2015 and 2020, it was carefully maintained with period-specific OEM parts and underwent a body-off restoration by the specialists at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
With a powerful 3.0-liter straight-six engine that incorporates a Bosch direct-fuel injection and a single-overhead-cam design unique to Mercedes, the 300 SL boasts an impressive 215 horsepower and can achieve an astonishing top speed of 161 mph. This remarkable feat made it the fastest production car of its time, setting a new standard for performance vehicles in its heyday.
The car has remained in its pristine condition, a testament to the meticulous care it has received over the years. The auction marks the end of an era for this iconic vehicle and the beginning of a new chapter in its history.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a unique piece of automotive history that is sure to be cherished by its new owner and appreciated by classic car enthusiasts for generations to come.
