“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 significant model represents a unique pinnacle. It’s about possessing something irreplaceable, a final piece of a celebrated lineage. In the world of high-value collectibles, securing the ultimate example of a prized item can be a pursuit spanning decades, demanding substantial resources, assuming such a treasure is even available outside of museum collections or corporate vaults.
Indeed, many of the most coveted collectibles are permanently out of reach, making the opportunity to acquire the last of an iconic sports car model exceptionally rare. 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, groundbreaking technology, and exhilarating performance have cemented its place as the most significant and universally admired vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s esteemed history.
The “Last Gullwing,” as it is uniquely known, embodies a symbolic significance, forever linking this particular car—and its fortunate owner—to the unparalleled legacy of victory, glamour, and automotive greatness associated with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
The Ubiquitous Icon: The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s Enduring Appeal
The cultural impact of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing throughout the 20th century extends far beyond the realm of motorsport. Produced in relatively substantial numbers—1,400 units between 1954 and 1957—many of these iconic vehicles were actively campaigned in races worldwide, further solidifying its legendary status.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional gullwing doors—a design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis, directly derived from the dominant W194 and W196 racing sports cars of the early 1950s—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved an almost omnipresent status. From appearances on the silver screen to cruising down Mulholland Drive, gracing the Champs-Élysées, and even venturing to the Arctic Circle, the Gullwing was seen everywhere. It was equally at home on a pristine motor show stand or conquering the grueling winner’s circle after a race. In contrast to other highly collectible 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 remarkable ubiquity and accessibility.
Adding to its allure was the 300 SL Gullwing’s close technical and visual kinship with its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR sports racer of 1955. If the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” then its 3.0-liter SLR counterpart, boasting a lightweight magnesium body and a 300-horsepower engine, could rightfully be deemed the “first hypercar.” The 300 SLR achieved unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. In a landmark automotive transaction in 2022, RM Sotheby’s facilitated the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for an astounding $142 million, establishing it as the most valuable car in history. This racing pedigree significantly elevated the 300 SL Gullwing’s desirability and cemented its place in automotive history.
Beyond its racing achievements, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing also captivated the world of entertainment and high society. It became a symbol of status and sophistication, favored by socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty alike. The 300 SL was also a canvas for personal expression, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and factory options to tailor the car to their individual tastes. This blend of high performance and bespoke luxury further enhanced its appeal and collectibility.
The technologically advanced Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s racing heritage translated into countless victories in premier sports car races and numerous amateur championships. However, its most remarkable feat was achieving these sporting accolades while simultaneously becoming recognized as one of the most elegant, stylish, and desirable automobiles of the 20th century – a machine often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” This duality of performance and beauty is a key element in the enduring appeal of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
“The Last Gullwing”: A Unique Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079, “The Last Gullwing.” This singular vehicle marked the end of production for Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic model, a car whose legendary status remains undiminished.
“The Last Gullwing” 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 dispatched to the United States via the Mercedes-Benz distribution network. While details of any additional appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th 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 documentation reveals “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) over a special-order Crème leather interior (1060), complete with English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, reflecting its extended factory stay, the wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster. These unique specifications further enhance its desirability and collectibility.
Despite its inherent significance, this exceptionally unique and meticulously preserved “Last Gullwing” initially experienced a period of relative obscurity upon its arrival in America. However, it has since enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by a select lineage of only four recorded owners from new. “The Last Gullwing” retains its factory-correct color scheme and boasts matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axle numbers. Its rear axle, number 7500024, is also believed to be original.
After more than 25 years under the stewardship of its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing,” beautifully restored over several years, made its debut at the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the first instance of the model being accepted into this highly selective event. The judges and attendees were captivated by chassis 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class – a remarkable achievement and testament to the quality of its restoration and the enduring allure of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
Even with its undisputed status as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated and successful production model, the iconic 300 SL Gullwing has maintained its captivating appeal for seven decades. This is not solely due to its association with Hollywood glamour, motorsport victories, or its captivating beauty as a novel object. Instead, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing embodies an enduring ideal: the pursuit of automotive excellence.
Unmatched in provenance and historical importance as the final example of the famed super-leicht, “The Last Gullwing” offers an ownership opportunity that transcends mere possession. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, inheriting the legacy of success forged by the model and those who contributed to its triumph.
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” represents a transcendent ideal of collecting. To possess the “last” of an era-defining artifact is to hold a tangible piece of history, and in the automotive world, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, especially “The Last Gullwing,” embodies this ideal perfectly.
