“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
To possess the final iteration of a coveted collectible—be it through chance, perseverance, wealth, or sheer luck—is to hold something truly unique. In the realm of vintage collectibles, the pursuit of the last specimen can extend for decades and demand vast fortunes, assuming such an artifact is even accessible to private collectors, and not enshrined in a museum or corporate vault.
Indeed, many ultimate examples of the world’s most desirable collectibles remain permanently out of reach, making the opportunity to own the last of a legendary model—especially an automotive icon like the Mercedes 300 Gullwing—an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime prospect.
Acclaimed as the “sportscar of the century” and celebrated for its breathtaking aesthetics, futuristic engineering, and exhilarating performance, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing reigns supreme among iconic sports car designs. It undeniably stands as the most significant and celebrated automobile ever produced by Mercedes-Benz throughout their illustrious history.
“The Last Gullwing,” presented here, represents a unique artifact, symbolically linking this particular car—and its future owner—to the unparalleled legacy of this model: its victories, its glamour, and its greatness.
Ubiquitous Icon: The 300 SL Gullwing’s Enduring Appeal
The 300 SL Gullwing’s profound impact on 20th-century culture transcends motorsport due to its significant production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured 1,400 Gullwings, with numerous examples seeing competitive action on race circuits worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional design—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 omnipresent. From Hollywood screens to scenic drives, from Parisian avenues to Arctic expeditions, and from pristine motor show displays to the winner’s circle, the Gullwing was everywhere. In contrast to most collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity.
Its close technical and visual similarity to its racing sibling, the 300 SLR sports racer of 1955, further enhanced the 300 SL’s allure. If the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” then its 3.0-liter SLR counterpart might be termed the “first hypercar,” achieving unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph thanks to its magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine. In 2022, RM Sotheby’s auctioned the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for Mercedes-Benz for a staggering $142 million, establishing it as the most valuable car in history. This connection to racing pedigree elevates the Mercedes 300 Gullwing in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts.
Beyond the sports pages, the Mercedes 300 SL graced entertainment sections, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The Gullwing also offered individuality; owners could personalize their 300 SL with various color combinations and factory options. This bespoke nature added to the desirability of each Mercedes 300 Gullwing.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s racing heritage resulted in countless victories in major sports car races and numerous amateur championships. Yet, remarkably, the Gullwing achieved these accolades while remaining one of the most elegant, stylish, and sought-after automobiles of the era—often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” This blend of performance and luxury solidified the Mercedes 300 Gullwing’s legendary status.
The Last Gullwing: A Unique Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the end of production for their most iconic model. Its legendary status remains unchallenged.
This particular Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, designated chassis number 7500079, began as a special-order Standwagen. It was initially showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before joining the US Mercedes-Benz distribution network on September 27, 1957. While further show appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29 and its shipment to America remain undocumented, it is known that by the time 7500079 finished its exhibition duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of the successor 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory records reveal “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a special-order Crème leather interior (1060), English instrumentation, sealed beam headlights, bumper guards, and, due to its extended factory stay, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster. These unique factory specifications enhance the collectibility of this Mercedes 300 Gullwing.
Entering relative obscurity in its early years in America, this exceptionally significant, unique, and authentic example 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. The rear axle, 7500024, is also believed to be original.
After over 25 years under its most recent private owner’s care, “The Last Gullwing” was beautifully restored. Its restoration was so meticulously executed that it earned an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the model’s debut at this exclusive event. Judges and attendees lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a remarkable achievement and a testament to the restoration’s quality. This Pebble Beach recognition further validates the exceptional condition of this Mercedes 300 Gullwing.
Despite its undisputed status as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing has captivated enthusiasts for seven decades. It embodies not just Hollywood glamour, motorsport triumph, or fleeting beauty, but an enduring ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
Owning “The Last Gullwing” transcends mere possession. To be seen in this Mercedes 300 Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, with the model’s triumphs, and with those who contributed to its success.
Like Michael Jordan’s final game jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run baseball, Diego Maradona’s final cleats, or Picasso’s last masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent collecting ideal. To own the “last” of an era-defining icon is to possess a tangible piece of history—a definitive Mercedes 300 Gullwing.
