“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
In the realm of collectible automobiles, owning the “last” of a significant model is an unparalleled distinction. It signifies possessing something unique, an ultimate example that history has rendered irreplaceable. For enthusiasts of vintage treasures, the pursuit of such final pieces can span decades, demanding immense dedication and resources. Often, these coveted items are beyond reach, preserved in museums or private collections, shielded from public acquisition. To secure the last of an iconic sports car is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to own a definitive piece of automotive history.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, often hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” stands as a paragon of automotive design and engineering. Its breathtaking aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating performance have captivated collectors and enthusiasts for generations. Within the illustrious history of Mercedes-Benz, the 300 SL Gullwing remains the most celebrated and admired creation, a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence. The allure of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, particularly exceptional examples like the “Last Gullwing,” lies in its ability to embody the pinnacle of automotive achievement, forever linking its owner to a legacy of victory, glamour, and unparalleled prestige.
A Pervasive Presence: The 300 SL Gullwing’s Enduring Impact
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing transcended the boundaries of motorsport to permeate 20th-century culture on a grand scale. Produced between 1954 and 1957 in a notable run of 1,400 units, a significant number of these iconic vehicles were actively campaigned in races worldwide, further cementing its legendary status.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional gullwing doors – a design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis inherited from the dominant W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954 – the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. From the silver screen to the winding roads of Mulholland Drive, from the chic boulevards of the Champs-Élysées to the rugged landscapes of the Arctic Circle, the 300 SL Gullwing was a constant presence. It graced motor show halls with its pristine beauty and conquered winner’s circles with its gritty performance. In contrast to the exclusivity of mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing distinguished itself through its widespread recognition and aspirational appeal.
The 300 SL Gullwing’s close technical and visual kinship with its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR sports racer of 1955, further enhanced its mystique. While the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” its 3.0-liter SLR counterpart rightfully earned the title of “first hypercar.” The 300 SLR, boasting an ultra-lightweight magnesium body and a 300-horsepower engine, effortlessly exceeded speeds of 180 mph, setting unprecedented benchmarks for performance. In a landmark event in 2022, RM Sotheby’s facilitated the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for an astounding $142 million, solidifying its position as the most valuable automobile in history. This close connection to such a record-breaking machine amplified the desirability and prestige of the road-going Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
Beyond its sporting achievements, the 300 SL Gullwing frequently graced the pages of entertainment publications, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, Hollywood icons, and royalty. It was a symbol of individuality, allowing owners to express their personal style through a vast array of color combinations and factory optional extras. This bespoke approach further enhanced the exclusivity and desirability of each Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
The technologically advanced Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing secured countless victories in premier sports car races around the globe, adding to its illustrious pedigree. Beyond professional circuits, it triumphed in numerous amateur rallies, road races, and endurance championships. Remarkably, the Gullwing achieved these sporting accolades while simultaneously establishing itself as one of the most elegant, sophisticated, and coveted automobiles of the 20th century – a vehicle often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels,” perfectly blending performance with high-fashion aesthetics.
“The Last Gullwing”: A Singular Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the definitive end to the production of their most iconic model. Its unparalleled status and allure have remained undiminished for over seven decades.
“The Last Gullwing,” chassis 7500079, began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Subsequently, on September 27, 1957, it was integrated into the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States. While details of any further appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29 and its shipment to America remain undocumented, it is known that by the time chassis 7500079 was released from its exhibition duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies accompanying “The Last Gullwing” reveal its original specification: Fire Engine Red (DB 534) exterior, complemented by a special-order full Crème leather (1060) interior. Additional features included English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended stay at the factory, a set of wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels, typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its extraordinary significance and impeccable originality, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, it has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners since new. Remarkably, it retains its factory-correct color combination and matching-numbers chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. The rear axle, numbered 7500024, is also believed to be original, although factory records indicate its number as “324.”
After more than 25 years under the devoted care of its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing” emerged beautifully restored. This meticulous restoration culminated in an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the model’s inaugural entry into this highly exclusive event. The judges and attendees were captivated by chassis 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class – a remarkable debut and a resounding testament to the exceptional quality of its restoration.
Despite its undisputed position as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated and successful production model, the iconic 300 SL Gullwing has maintained its prominent position for seven decades. Its enduring appeal transcends fleeting trends, embodying not just Hollywood glamour, motorsport triumphs, or transient beauty, but a timeless ideal: the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Unmatched in provenance and historical importance as the final production example of the legendary super-leicht, “The Last Gullwing” offers an ownership opportunity that transcends mere possession. To be seen in this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, inheriting the legacy of success forged by the model and those who contributed to its iconic status.
Much like Michael Jordan’s last game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s final home run ball, Diego Maradona’s last pair of cleats, or Picasso’s ultimate masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent ideal of collecting. To own the “last” of an era-defining artifact is to hold a tangible piece of history itself.
