1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

Lot details
Registration No: OAS 442
Chassis No: 6500308
Mot Expiry: July 2003

When Mercedes-Benz launched their new range of cars in 1951, among them was the 300S, a 3-litre 6-cylinder model, which would form the basis for the great German manufacturer's return to motor sport in the 1952 season. However, Competitions Director, the legendary Rudi Uhlenhaut was forced by the bean counters to use production components for his new sports-racing car and, to compensate for the weight penalty of having to source so many items from the standard parts bin, he came up with a super-light, multi-tubed, space frame clad in a wind-cheating aluminium coupe bodywork. A really low bonnet line was achieved by ingeniously tilting the engine 40 degrees. Whilst to get over the access problems caused by cockpit intrusive space frame tubing, he introduced the soon to be very famous `Gullwing' doors.
The 1952 racing debut of Uhlenhaut's new cars was reminiscent of the prewar domination enjoyed by the marque, for Mercs not only won both the Le Mans 24 Hours and the extremely grueling Carrera Panamericana, but they also finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the Mille Miglia too. Such high profile results combined with the impact on consumers of really futuristic styling led New York Agent Max Hoffman to convince the suits in Stuttgart that their rather specialised race cars should form the basis for a production supercar. However, with the Comps Department by now busying themselves with a GP challenger and the space frame being considered too complex to replicate in large numbers, the project all but floundered. It was the confirmed advanced orders for 1000 cars from Hoffman that did the trick and the new standard production 300SL Gullwing was shown for the first time at the 1954 New York Motor Show.
Closely resembling the race car, though with more production friendly steel bodywork and larger swing-up door for easier access, the 300SL was an instant international hit. Whilst Fangio probably received his for services rendered to the three pointed star on the track, among movers and shakers to buy one were the Aga Khan, King Hussein of Jordan, Alfred Krupp, Yul Brynner, Maureen O Hara, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Glenn Ford, Clark Gable, Tony Curtis and Maurice Chevalier!
The specification of what has become one of the greatest of all classic cars was rated as being truly world beating in period. The 6-cylinder in-line, 2996cc motor with cast-iron block, 85mm bore and 88mm stroke, detachable light alloy cylinder head, single overhead camshaft and two valves per cylinder operated by rocker arms had been race-developed. With dry sump lubrication and Bosch direct fuel injection, the first production car to be so equipped, the power output had been increased to 240bhp at 6100rpm, which was mighty impressive for any race car, unheard of from a road car. There was a single dry-plate clutch, direct-acting central gearchange and synchromesh on all four gears. The suspension was independent all round, with coil sprung wishbones with telescopic shock absorbers at the front and coil sprung swing axles and telescopic shockers at the back. Huge and vacuum servo-assisted Alfin drum brakes retarded all four wheels, which was just as well as, depending on the axle ratio specified, Gullwings were good for up 155mph. All were made in left-hand drive form, the open-top 300SL roadster with shallower sills joining its fixed head sister in the sales brochure from 1957.
On offer here is a 1956 Stuttgart-built 300SL Gullwing that was supplied to the first North American owner in December of that year in the current colour combination of white paintwork with dark blue leather interior. Little of the car's personal history was recorded until it was acquired in the US by a major collection some ten years ago, spending much of the time since then as a static exhibit.
Following importation to the UK last year, the car was recommissioned with new water pump and battery, passing an MOT Test, before being purchased by the current owner who then had a truly extensive check-out of all systems carried out. Within the car's history file is a £4259 receipted bill dated March 2003 detailing the considerable amount of work done. This included cleaning out the petrol tank and the entire fuel and fuel injection system, polishing the inlet manifold, renewal of all ignition related items, changing all the oils, tuning the engine, cleaning out and adjusting the brakes, and replacing all four tyres.
The overall presentation of the car is good, it clearly having been the subject of much restoration work while in previous ownerships. Certainly the white paintwork was refurbished to a good standard, although now showing signs of some gentle use. However, all the body and shut lines, as well as panel fit, are all as they should be, and the brightwork is all sound. At some stage, the interior has been retrimmed with contrasting blue leather seats and door trim, and the carpets are also blue. Happily, the original fitted luggage set has survived intact and comes with the car - as does a recent letter from M-B Customer Service confirming both 1959 manufacturing details and the ex-works specification as supplied to the distributor in Miami.
Even today, nearly 50 years after it first caused all those flash bulbs to pop in New York, the Gullwing is arguably the most head turning motor car of all time. Let this one turn yours!
Please Note: This vehicle is MOT'd until July 2003.