“The 300 SL is prophecy incarnate. It’s a pace-setter, a style-setter, a design conception that is bound to influence the world’s automotive industry for many years to come… Literally, the 300 SL is a car of the future that can be possessed today…it’s just about impossible to duplicate what the 300SL has to offer at any price.”
—Griff Borgeson, Sports Cars Illustrated, April 1956
Owning the final iteration of a highly collectible item, whether through chance, perseverance, or sheer luck, bestows a unique status upon the owner. In the realm of vintage collectibles, the pursuit of the last example of a prized possession can span decades and involve considerable expense, assuming such an item is even accessible to private collectors and not permanently displayed in a museum or corporate archive. The opportunity to possess the last of an iconic sports car model is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime prospect.
Widely celebrated as the “sportscar of the century,” the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, particularly the 1957 Mercedes Benz model, is universally admired for its striking aesthetics, cutting-edge engineering, and remarkable performance. It indisputably stands as the most significant and celebrated automobile in Mercedes-Benz’s distinguished history, a beacon of automotive excellence that continues to captivate enthusiasts globally.
The allure of the 300 SL Gullwing, especially the final models produced in 1957 Mercedes Benz, extends far beyond mere automotive appeal. Its impact on 20th-century culture is profound, largely due to its relatively substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured 1,400 Gullwings, with numerous examples actively participating in races worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its distinctive design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe—a technology derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing, including the 1957 Mercedes Benz variant, achieved remarkable ubiquity. It graced both the silver screen and everyday roads, from Hollywood Hills to European boulevards, appearing at prestigious motor shows and in the winner’s circles of grueling races. Unlike most collectible mid-century exotics from brands like Ferrari, BMW, and Jaguar, the 300 SL Gullwing was notably present and visible.
Alt text: Side view of a pristine 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, emphasizing its distinctive door design in a classic backdrop.
The close technical and visual similarities to its racing counterpart, the 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955, further enhanced the 300 SL’s prestige. While the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar”, its 3.0-liter SLR relative, with its magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine, is regarded as the “first hypercar,” achieving speeds exceeding 180 mph. The 2022 auction sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for $142 million by RM Sotheby’s solidified its status as the most valuable car ever sold. This racing heritage significantly elevated the desirability of the 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
Beyond the racetrack, the 300 SL Gullwing, including the 1957 Mercedes Benz models, became synonymous with glamour and success. It was the vehicle of choice for socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The 300 SL also offered a degree of personalization, allowing owners to specify various color combinations and factory options, making each 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL somewhat unique.
The technologically advanced nature of the 300 SL, especially in its final 1957 Mercedes Benz iteration, led to numerous victories in major sports car races and amateur championships. However, the Gullwing’s most remarkable feat was achieving these racing accolades while simultaneously being celebrated as one of the most elegant and desirable automobiles of the century—often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” This blend of performance and luxury cemented the 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s legendary status.
Alt text: Angled shot of a silver 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, focusing on its aerodynamic profile and signature Mercedes-Benz grille.
The final 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing, completed on May 15, 1957, represents the culmination of this iconic model’s production. This particular car, known as “The Last Gullwing,” chassis number 7500079, began its journey as a special-order Standwagen. It was initially showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before being dispatched to the United States Mercedes-Benz distribution network in September 1957.
Interestingly, factory records indicate this “Last Gullwing,” a 1957 Mercedes Benz model, was originally finished in Fire Engine Red with a custom Crème leather interior. It also featured English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and wider Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster, likely due to its extended stay at the factory.
Despite its significance and unique status as the final Gullwing, this 1957 Mercedes Benz example spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, it has been cherished by a select few owners, with only four recorded custodians since new. “The Last Gullwing” retains its original factory color scheme and matching numbers for chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles.
Alt text: Close-up of the interior of a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, emphasizing the premium crème leather seats and meticulously designed dashboard.
After being under the care of its most recent owner for over 25 years, “The Last Gullwing,” a pristine 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL, underwent a meticulous restoration. It made its debut at the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the first time the model was accepted into this exclusive event. The car received significant acclaim, earning 3rd in Class, a testament to the quality of its restoration and its inherent appeal as a 1957 Mercedes Benz masterpiece.
The 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s enduring appeal stems from its representation of Hollywood glamour, motorsport victory, and timeless beauty. It embodies an ideal of automotive excellence. “The Last Gullwing,” as the final example, transcends mere ownership. To be associated with this car is to be linked with the greatness and success it represents.
Much like iconic “last” items in history, such as a legendary athlete’s final game jersey or an artist’s last masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” 1957 Mercedes Benz embodies a transcendent collectible ideal. Owning the “last” of a defining era is owning a tangible piece of history, making this 1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing an unparalleled treasure.
