“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
The pursuit of owning the ultimate collectible, the “last” of its kind, is a unique quest. For those fortunate enough to acquire such a piece, be it through chance or relentless pursuit, they possess something truly singular. In the realm of vintage collectibles, particularly iconic automobiles, the desire to secure the final example can span decades and involve significant investment. Often, these prized artifacts are beyond reach, preserved in museums or corporate vaults.
The opportunity to own the last of an iconic model, especially a legendary sportscar, is an unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime prospect. Amongst these coveted vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing stands as a paragon. Celebrated as the “sportscar of the century,” the Gullwing Benz is revered for its breathtaking aesthetics, futuristic engineering, and exhilarating performance. It undeniably reigns supreme as the most significant and universally admired automobile in Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious history.
This article delves into the enduring legacy of the Gullwing Benz, exploring its profound impact on automotive history and culture, culminating in the unique significance of “The Last Gullwing.”
The Ubiquitous Icon: The Gullwing Benz Across the 20th Century
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s influence on the 20th-century cultural landscape extends far beyond motorsport, largely due to its relatively substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 Gullwing examples, with a significant number seeing competitive action on racetracks worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its daring and unconventional design—a necessity dictated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing seemed to be omnipresent. From Hollywood screens to scenic drives, from Parisian boulevards to arctic expeditions, and from pristine auto show displays to the winner’s circle’s grit, the Gullwing Benz was a star. In contrast to many highly collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa or Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity.
Its close technical and visual connection to its racing sibling, the 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955, further amplified the Gullwing Benz’s appeal. If the production Gullwing is considered the “first supercar,” its 3.0-liter SLR counterpart earned the title of “first hypercar.” The 300 SLR, with its lightweight magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine, effortlessly surpassed speeds of 180 mph. In a landmark event in 2022, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for an astounding $142 million, solidifying its status as the most valuable car ever sold.
Beyond the racetrack, the Gullwing Benz frequently graced the pages of entertainment publications, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The 300 SL also offered a platform for individual expression; owners could customize their Gullwing Benz with a wide array of color combinations and factory options.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s racing pedigree resulted in countless victories in prestigious sports car races and numerous amateur championships. Yet, what is most remarkable about the Gullwing Benz is its ability to achieve such sporting success while simultaneously being celebrated as one of the most elegant, sophisticated, and desirable automobiles of the 20th century—a vehicle often lauded as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” This duality cemented the Gullwing Benz’s place in automotive history and popular culture.
The Last Gullwing Benz: A Unique Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the end of production for this pivotal model. This singular vehicle serves as the ultimate bookend to Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic creation, a model whose legendary status remains unchallenged.
“The Last Gullwing” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen (exhibition car). It debuted at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before being dispatched to the United States Mercedes-Benz distribution network on September 27, 1957. While details of any additional appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its American shipment remain undocumented, it is known that by the time 7500079 was released from its exhibition duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of the successor 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory documentation reveals “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a special-order Crème leather interior, English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels—typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster, likely fitted due to its extended factory stay.
Despite its extraordinary significance, “The Last Gullwing” initially faded into relative obscurity during its early years in America. However, this remarkably unique and impeccably original car has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners from new. “The Last Gullwing” retains its factory-correct color scheme and matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle is also believed to be original.
After more than 25 years under the stewardship of its most recent private owner, who meticulously restored the car over several years, “The Last Gullwing” made its debut at the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the first time the Gullwing Benz model was accepted into this highly exclusive event. Judges and attendees lauded chassis 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a remarkable achievement and testament to the quality of its restoration.
Owning a Legacy: The Lasting Impact of the Gullwing Benz
The iconic 300 SL Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated and successful production model, has captivated enthusiasts for over seven decades. Its enduring appeal stems not only from its Hollywood glamour, motorsport victories, and striking beauty, but also from embodying an ideal: the relentless pursuit of perfection.
“The Last Gullwing,” unparalleled in provenance and significance as the final example of the super-leicht, offers an opportunity that transcends mere ownership. To be seen in this Gullwing Benz is to be associated with greatness, with the triumphs of the model, and with the visionaries who made its success possible.
Much like a Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, “The Last Gullwing” represents a transcendent ideal of collecting. To possess the “last” of an era-defining icon is to hold a tangible piece of history. The Gullwing Benz, and particularly “The Last Gullwing,” is more than just a car; it is a symbol of automotive excellence and a timeless testament to groundbreaking design and engineering.
