Lot 229: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was conceived as a sports-racer rather than a sports car, first proving its mettle on the track before the production model appeared, and it went on to notch up an impressive number of competition successes. It all began with a small number of racing SL prototypes built in 1952 which won, amongst other great races, that year's Le Mans 24 Hours and the marathon Carrera Panamericana. As the Stuttgart concern's first post-war competition car the 300 SL combined suspension and running gear from the then new 300 series production models with a light, multi-tube spaceframe chassis carrying special coupé bodywork. Full-height side opening doors would have compromised rigidity in the high-sided chassis so half-height doors, hinged at the roof centre to lift upward, were developed for the car and the famous 'gullwing' design was born. A 3.0 litre straight six cylinder, the 300 SL's engine used dry sump lubrication and Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the latter a world first for a production car. It was also one of the most potent engines of its day, providing top speeds of 130 to 165mph depending on gearing. The car's advanced chassis design ensured great strength and safety whilst providing fine handling thanks to its light weight. An interesting Gullwing feature was the steering wheel hinged at the base of its hub to tilt almost upside down, thus easing driver entry/exit. Its overall styling hardly needs comment, except to note that it was much lower and sleeker than that of contemporary sports cars. Distinguishing features such as the big tri-star grille emblem, wheel arch 'eyebrows' and 'egg crate' front wing louvres adorned the body, while the purposeful interior was somewhat reminiscent of a Messerschmitt fighter plane! The exclusive 300SL - just 1,400 coupes were built between 1954 and 1957 and 1,858 convertibles between 1957 to 1958 - also cost a fortune: £5,600 for the Gullwing in 1954 against £1,400 for a Jaguar XK120, but excellence is never cheap, and the SLs were magnificent: solid, handsome and very fast. In fact, nothing could outpace them for years except for the occasional Ferrari, which was hardly a 'production' car in those days. The 300 SL won more competitions in its time than virtually any other car since. There are far too many victories to list here; suffice to say that no other manufacturer could field a car that could combine such speed, reliability and all round ability as the 300 SL, which allowed it to excel in events as varied as the Targa Florio, Mille Miglia and at Le Mans. Coys is proud to offer for sale this particular example which for many years resided in a small but exclusive collection in Europe. Possibly one of the finest we have ever seen, it drives equally as well as it looks. Finished in silver with contrasting black leather interior, this magnificent Mercedes-Benz would be perfect for any collection of the marque, or indeed for anyone seeking one of the best examples on the market today.Cette 300 SL Papillon représente l'un des meilleurs exemplaires sur la marche actuelle. De couleur gris traditionnel et sellerie neuve, elle représente une occasion unique d'acheter une exemplaire exceptionnel.