“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
For collectors of vintage automobiles, owning the “last” of a celebrated model represents an unparalleled achievement. It signifies possessing something uniquely finite, an ultimate example that eclipses all others simply by being the last. In the realm of highly sought-after collectibles, the pursuit of such a final piece can span decades, demanding vast resources and unwavering dedication. This quest is further complicated by the fact that many ultimate examples are permanently held in museums or corporate collections, beyond the reach of private acquisition.
The chance to own the last of anything, especially an automotive icon, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, often hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” embodies this iconic status. Renowned for its breathtaking aesthetics, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance, the 300 SL Gullwing stands as a titan among classic sports cars. It is undeniably the most significant and universally admired automobile in the storied history of Mercedes-Benz.
“The Last Gullwing,” the final example produced, is more than just a car; it is a symbol, inextricably linked to the model’s unparalleled legacy of victory, glamour, and automotive greatness.
EVERYWHERE, ALL THE TIME, ALL AT ONCE
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing transcended the realm of motorsport to permeate 20th-century culture on a grand scale, largely due to its substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured 1,400 Gullwings, with a significant number seeing competitive action on racetracks worldwide.
Instantly recognizable thanks to its daring and unconventional design—a direct consequence of its lightweight spaceframe chassis derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. From appearances on the silver screen to cruising down Mulholland Drive, from gracing the Champs-Élysées to venturing into the Arctic Circle, and from pristine motor show displays to the mud-splattered glory of the winner’s circle, the 300 SL Gullwing was seemingly omnipresent. In contrast to the exclusivity of other mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing’s widespread presence amplified its allure.
The close technical and visual kinship with its dominant sibling, the 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955, further enhanced the 300 SL’s prestige. Often considered the “first supercar,” the production Gullwing’s 3.0-liter SLR cousin could justifiably be called the “first hypercar.” Thanks to its featherweight magnesium body and a 300-horsepower engine, the 300 SLR effortlessly exceeded speeds of 180 mph. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for a staggering $142 million, establishing it as the most valuable car in history and further cementing the 300 SL lineage in automotive legend.
Beyond the sports pages, the 300 SL Gullwing frequently graced the entertainment sections of publications. The super-leicht became synonymous with socialites, industry titans, Hollywood stars, and royalty. The 300 SL also served as a canvas for personal expression; owners could specify their Gullwing in a vast array of color combinations and personalize it with numerous factory options.
The technologically advanced Mercedes-Benz 300 SL’s winning pedigree translated into countless victories in premier sports car races worldwide, alongside numerous amateur rally, road, and endurance racing championships. Yet, what truly distinguishes the Gullwing is that it achieved such sporting success while simultaneously being celebrated as one of the most elegant, sophisticated, and desirable automobiles of the century—a machine often lauded as “a spacecraft on four wheels.”
THE LAST GULLWING
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, the final chapter in the production of their most iconic model, a car whose legendary status remains unchallenged and unsurpassed.
This “Last Gullwing” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. On September 27, 1957, it was dispatched to the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States. While further exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29 and its American shipment remain undocumented, it is known that by the time 7500079 was released from its show duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, the accompanying factory data card copies reveal that the Last Gullwing was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) over a special-order full Crème leather (1060) interior. It also featured English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory stay, a set of wider 15 x 5½-inch Kronprinz wheels, typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its profound historical significance and unique status, the Last Gullwing spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. Nevertheless, this exceptionally original and remarkably correct example has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by a mere four recorded owners from new. The Last Gullwing still proudly wears its factory-correct color combination and retains its original, numbers-matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. While the rear axle, numbered 7500024, is believed to be original, factory data card copies simply list its number as “324.”
After more than 25 years under the stewardship of its most recent private collector, The Last Gullwing emerged, beautifully restored through years of dedicated effort. In 2004, it was invited to make its debut at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the first time the model had been accepted into this ultra-competitive event. The judges and attendees were captivated by chassis 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a remarkable debut and a 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 captivating allure for seven decades. This enduring fascination stems not only from its association with Hollywood glamour, motorsport triumphs, or fleeting beauty, but because it embodies a timeless ideal: the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Unrivaled in provenance and historical importance as the final factory-delivered 300 SL Gullwing, “The Last Gullwing” offers an opportunity that transcends mere ownership. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with the model’s inherent greatness and the legacy of those who contributed to its legendary success.
Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, Diego Maradona’s final pair of cleats, or Picasso’s ultimate masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent ideal of collecting. To possess the “last” of an era-defining icon is to hold a tangible piece of history itself.
