For automotive aficionados, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing marks the genesis of the modern supercar. Launched in 1954, this iconic model masterfully combined breathtaking aesthetics, highlighted by its signature gullwing doors – a design necessity born from its lightweight tubular frame – with formidable performance delivered by a 2,996-cc M198 inline-six engine. Producing 215 horsepower and achieving a top speed of 163 mph, the 1954 Mercedes Sl 300 Gullwing rightfully earned its title as the world’s fastest production car.
Every Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing carries significant historical weight, but the example presented here boasts an especially captivating and unique narrative. Chassis number 198.040.4500012, a very early production model, rolled off the assembly line on September 24, 1954. According to its factory data card, this 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing, originally finished in the classic Silver Grey Metallic with a blue vinyl and blue plaid fabric interior, was designated a “Standwagen” – a show car – destined for the prestigious “Automobil-Salon, London”. Factory records further indicate that it was equipped with engine number 198.980.4500022.
In October 1954, this exceptional 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing was driven directly from Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart to the United Kingdom. Its mission: to be the star attraction on the Mercedes-Benz stand at the 39th International Motor Exhibition in London’s Earls Court. Another Gullwing served as a demonstrator at the event, but it was chassis 198.040.4500012 that captivated the global press. Photographers eagerly captured its striking lines, and British Pathé filmed the revolutionary gullwing doors as they drew fascinated crowds – cementing the 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing‘s legendary status.
It was at this very show that Rob Walker, the esteemed privateer Formula 1 and sports car team owner, encountered this road-going evolution of the W194 endurance racer. Impressed, Walker became the first British customer to purchase a 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing, securing this very show car directly from the stand. However, ownership would not immediately follow. Ron W Waghorn, an employee of Mercedes-Benz Great Britain tasked with managing Walker’s cars, recounted that this particular 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing was promptly taken to the roads around Hatfield for a shakedown by a team of engineers. Shortly after, instead of the Gullwing’s return, Walker’s Mercedes-Benz colleagues were met by police. Tragically, under damp and slippery conditions on the A1, chassis 198.040.4500012 had lost control and spun backwards into a tree.
The impact severely damaged the rear bodywork and spare wheel well of the 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing. Consequently, the damaged vehicle was returned to Germany for extensive repairs. Finally, in May 1955, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing was officially registered for road use for the first time, becoming a demonstrator for Mercedes-Benz GB, bearing the registration number “RGO 30,” which it retains to this day. In January 1956, Noel Carr of Carr & Co, a racing driver and heir to the Carr’s Biscuits fortune who also operated as a part-time car dealer, purchased the Gullwing. Seven months later, Carr sold this historically significant 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing to its first private owner, Mr. Charles Gardner.
Mr. Gardner acquired the 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing on August 24, 1956. This prized possession would later spend approximately two decades off the road, stored in a barn on his Sussex apple farm, adding to its unique story. Mr. Gardner eventually passed the car to his daughter, who re-registered it in France. In October 2000, the Gullwing returned to the UK under the custodianship of Mr. Gardner’s son, where it has remained within the family ever since, cherished as a significant piece of automotive history.
Recognizing the car’s importance, the consigning family undertook a comprehensive five-year body-off restoration, spanning from November 2005 to April 2010. At the completion of this meticulous restoration, the odometer was reset. Since its rebirth, this magnificent 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing has received regular servicing from renowned classic Mercedes-Benz specialist Kevin O’Keeffe. Further demonstrating the commitment to its upkeep, Martin Cushway expertly rebuilt the gearbox in 2015, followed by HK Engineering’s overhaul of the differential in September 2021. This exceptional 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing heads to auction following a service in August 2024 and having recently passed its MoT test with no advisories.
Refinished in its original and striking color combination and enhanced by the inclusion of rare and highly sought-after Rudge center-lock wheels – mirroring its appearance at the Earls Court Motor Show – this 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing is accompanied by its workshop manual and extensive documentation. Crucially, it retains its matching-numbers chassis, body, and engine. While the pre-production nature of this “Standwagen” means its build sheet lacks numbered component records, key elements like the front kingpins and differential are confirmed to date back to 1954. Furthermore, this early Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing exhibits various features unique to the initial production run, further amplifying its collectibility. MoT certificates dating back to 1977 support a believed total mileage of approximately 54,000 miles from new, with the odometer reading 40,483 miles prior to its restoration.
Having captivated the world’s attention at Earls Court seven decades ago, chassis 198.040.4500012 stands as a truly exceptional offering. This 1954 Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing, with its rich history and singular provenance as likely the last “Standwagen” to be offered from single private ownership, represents a tantalizing opportunity for its next custodian – a chance to own not just a car, but a genuine piece of automotive legend.
