1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL GullwingSOLD
See all the Images for this Car
Engine Type: 3.0 Litre 6-Cylinder
Engine Number:198.980.7500069
Color:Black / Saddle Leather and Ostrich

Reference Number 320699

as of 12/24/2014

Overview
Car 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
VIN 198.040 5500434 
Mileage 34,763 miles 
More Images
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car
See all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this CarSee all the Images for this Car
Known History

 

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

s/n 5500434, engine no. 7500069

Black with Cognac Leather Interior

 

This particular car was completed on 21 June 1955, and was supplied new to Max Hoffman's Mercedes-Benz distributorship in New York City. The car was factory fitted with the rare and desirable NSL high performance engine, number 7500069, replacing engine #5500049. Factory records show this NSL engine was not assigned to any other car and can be regarded as the proper engine for this car. The NSL power plant was a factory special order competition engine that was standard on the 29 alloy bodied Gullwings built, and fitted on rare occasions to steel bodied cars as well. The 'Sonderteile' (special parts) engine consisted of a racing camshaft adding about 15 HP, paired with a different governor for the injection pump, and an appropriately calibrated distributor. Only 4% of total Gullwing production was supplied with these special motors. This car is further distinguished by being factory-delivered with Rudge knock-off wheels.

 

This car was originally supplied by Max Hoffman’s Mercedes-Benz distributorship in New York, finished in graphite grey with red leather interior. The car’s original owner was on the east coast and resided for a time in Sanford, Maine. It then passed through the hands of two owners in Michigan, before making its way to three more owners in Colorado. Its current owner purchased the car in 1998 and undertook a complete restoration in 1999, at which time the car was significantly modified to give it a decidedly more sporting character, both in terms of aesthetics and performance. Cosmetically, the bumpers were deleted and replaced with chrome strips to give a more finished look. A racing type quick-release fuel filler was also let into the trunk lid, and provisions added for a side exit exhaust system. Additionally, the greenhouse was lowered by shortening the pillars, reducing the height by about an inch. Bulges were added to the roof sections of the doors to capture the period competition aesthetic of the car, and an integrated side mirror fairing in the style of period race cars was added as well. The original side glass is included with the car, as are the bumpers. The mechanical systems were also completely rebuilt and adjustable Koni shocks and housings fitted, allowing the car to be lowered approximately an inch. A sport clutch was also fitted. The car was reupholstered by Bill O’Donnell (renowned for his Pebble Beach quality work) using ostrich skin in selected areas.

 

Since its completion, the car has been used in a variety of prestigious events including the Colorado Grand, California Mille, Copperstate 1000, and the Pebble Beach Motoring Tour. In 2014, the car received a refresh of the engine and transmission, and a comprehensive engine-out concours level detail. The cylinder head was removed and the internal components inspected and replaced as needed, including the valve stem seals, timing chain and upgraded ARP head studs. The cylinder head was also resurfacedThe heater core was redone, as was the radiator surge tank, and a new distributor fitted. The steering box was also resealed, and the water pipes replaced. A new Tilton clutch was fitted and the gearbox rebuilt in its entirety by 300SL expert Bill Richardson. The remaining mechanical work was performed by Robert Webster and the quality of the work is truly first-rate. The brakes were also serviced at this time and the rocker panels and other vulnerable areas repainted to address any major paint blemishes. All in all, over $40,000 was spent to bring the car to its current excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition, both externally and under the hood.

 

The car makes a superb impression cosmetically. It has a sinister presence that is simultaneously gorgeous and intimidating. The paintwork was done to high standards and remains very fresh in appearance, an extremely difficult feat with a black car. There is one scratch of significance on the rear valence panel behind the right rear wheel. The body is very straight with excellent panel fit and gaps. The chrome is also in excellent shape aside from some light wear on the front from road use, as are the lights. The car has Cibié headlamps and Bosch yellow fog lamps in the grille. The side windows are Plexiglas and the front windscreen has light road wear. The exterior has excellent attention to detail, from the neatly integrated vestigial bumpers to the side exit exhaust, integrated side mirror, and competition type fuel filler.

 

The interior also has a host of interesting details that reflect the level of attention that went into the car’s build. The car has a mixture of leather and genuine ostrich upholstery, all of which is in excellent condition. The instruments and switches are in excellent shape and the car is fitted with a rare Zimber 4-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel, which has a thicker rim than the original, while still permitting the driver to see the gauges. The car also has a roll bar, trimmed in ostrich too, naturally. The wool broadcloth headliner is in excellent shape and the overall condition is fresh and reinforces the quality of the car. The interior manages to feel even more special than the typical 300SL interior, while still maintaining its period feel and appeal.

 

The engine compartment is stunningly clean, having recently been detailed in its entirety. It has the appearance of a freshly restored car done to show level standards and is generally correct, with a few departures such as the fitment of stainless steel heat-wrapped headers. The correct decals are in place on the valve cover and the car retains its glass windscreen washer fluid reservoir. The trunk is nicely restored as well, and the matching Rudge spare wheel is in place, along with square weave carpet beneath.

 

The car is an absolute joy to drive. Although it has few mechanical changes, its character has been transformed to be markedly more sporting and direct than a standard Gullwing. The suspension is more responsive and the car feels more solid and sharp, due perhaps to the fitment of the rollbar. The exhaust note has an immediacy and rawness that is very atypical in a 300SL, giving a racy feel that is very thrilling. The engine is fantastically tuned, and runs beautifully from cold, which is a massive departure from most 300SLs, which tend to be cold-blooded, even when they are sweet-running when warm. The gearbox shifts beautifully and the clutch grabs positively, but is somewhat difficult to modulate because of the sport clutch. While a standard 300SL never feels diluted or insular, there is a visceral character to driving this car that is intoxicating and is an impressively compelling departure from the standard 300SL experience. Oftentimes modified cars are somewhat incoherent as a finished product, but this car could not be further away. Instead, it is a tremendously satisfying, well-sorted, and enjoyable car to use, making the driver feel like Juan Manuel Fangio or Stirling Moss, even trundling around town.

 

The car comes with a host of extras including uninstalled belly pans, original bumpers, tool roll with tools, original side windows, original steering wheel, flat Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel, original windscreen, clutch, four standard Koni shock absorbers, miscellaneous spare consumable parts required for touring, and invoices for recent mechanical and cosmetic work.

 

This is an exceptional 300SL Gullwing. Not only is it a factory Rudge-wheel car with NSL motor, it has been reimagined in a way that is consistent with how a sports purpose Gullwing would have been built in period. The attention to detail and faithfulness to the period presentation of the car are truly extraordinary, and the result is impressive. The car is visually stunning, a pleasure to drive, widely event-eligible, and extremely complete, making it an ideal car for the connoisseur looking for a 300SL that truly makes a statement and wishes to stand apart even in the rarified stratum of 300SL Gullwing owners.