“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 the exceptional, the pursuit often culminates in acquiring “the last” of a coveted series. This achievement, whether by chance, persistence, or sheer fortune, confers a unique status—possessing something definitively singular. In the realm of vintage collectibles, especially automobiles, the quest to secure the final example can span decades, demanding significant resources and unwavering dedication. This pursuit is further complicated when considering that many ultimate examples reside in museums or private collections, seemingly beyond reach.
The opportunity to own the last of an iconic model, particularly a sportscar as revered as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime prospect. Often hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” the Gullwing transcends mere transportation; it embodies a fusion of breathtaking design, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance. Within the storied history of Mercedes-Benz, the 300 SL Gullwing remains their most celebrated and universally admired creation.
The allure of owning “The Last Gullwing” is undeniable. It represents more than just a car; it’s a tangible link to the model’s unparalleled legacy of victory, glamour, and automotive excellence.
The Enduring Impact of the 300 SL Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s profound influence on 20th-century culture extends far beyond the racetrack, largely due to its relatively substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced approximately 1,400 Gullwing models, with many actively participating in motorsport events worldwide.
Instantly recognizable for its daring and unconventional design—dictated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis, derived from the dominant W194 and W196 racing sportscars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. It graced the silver screen, cruised along Mulholland Drive, adorned the Champs-Élysées, ventured into the Arctic Circle, and transitioned seamlessly from pristine motor show displays to the winner’s circle’s gritty glory. In contrast to many highly collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing distinguished itself through its widespread presence and impact.
The 300 SL’s close technical and aesthetic kinship with its racing counterpart, the 300 SLR sportscar of 1955, further amplified its appeal. While the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” its 3.0-liter SLR sibling has been dubbed the “first hypercar,” achieving astonishing speeds exceeding 180 mph thanks to its featherweight magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for a record-breaking $142 million, solidifying its status as the most valuable car in history. This racing pedigree undoubtedly elevates the desirability and value of any Mercedes Benz Gullwing For Sale.
Beyond its motorsport achievements, the 300 SL Gullwing frequently appeared in entertainment news, associated with socialites, industry titans, movie icons, and royalty. The 300 SL was also a symbol of personal expression, offering owners a wide spectrum of customization options in color combinations and factory extras.
The 300 SL’s advanced technology and racing heritage led to numerous victories in prestigious sportscar races and amateur championships. Yet, what truly distinguishes the Gullwing is its ability to achieve such sporting accolades while simultaneously embodying elegance, sophistication, and desirability. It was, and remains, a “spacecraft on four wheels.”
“The Last Gullwing”: A Singular Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the definitive conclusion of this pivotal model’s production. This car stands as a unique bookend to Mercedes-Benz’s most significant creation, a model whose iconic status has remained unchallenged for decades.
“The Last Gullwing,” chassis number 7500079, began its journey as a special-order Standwagen. Mercedes-Benz initially showcased it at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before it joined the US distribution network on September 27, 1957. While further exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its shipment to America 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 the 300 SL Roadster, the Gullwing’s successor.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies indicate that “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a bespoke Crème leather interior (1060), English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, reflecting its extended factory stay, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its exceptional significance, this remarkably unique and impeccably original example spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, “The Last Gullwing” has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners from new. It retains its factory-correct color scheme and matching-numbers chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, numbered 7500024, is also believed to be original, although factory records list it as simply “324.”
Offered after more than 25 years under its current private owner’s stewardship, “The Last Gullwing” underwent a meticulous restoration, culminating in an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the first time a 300 SL Gullwing was accepted into this exclusive event. Judges and attendees alike lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a testament to the quality of its restoration and inherent appeal.
Despite its undisputed prominence as Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic and successful production model, the 300 SL Gullwing has captivated enthusiasts for seven decades. Its enduring appeal transcends fleeting trends, representing not just Hollywood glamour or motorsport triumph, but a timeless ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
Unmatched in provenance and significance as the final factory-delivered 300 SL Gullwing, “The Last Gullwing” offers an ownership experience that transcends the ordinary. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with the model’s greatness and the legacy of those who contributed to its enduring success.
Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, Diego Maradona’s final 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. If you are seeking a Mercedes Benz Gullwing for sale, consider the unparalleled significance of owning a piece of automotive history that represents the pinnacle of design, performance, and cultural impact.
