AN ultra-rare Mercedes, known as the “first sports car after WW2” is heading to auction as a highly sought-after classic.
The ground-breaking sports car emerged after World War II, redefining performance and design.
Finished in a striking Strawberry Red metallic paint[/caption]
The 300 SL was based on the Mercedes 1952 racing car and featured its most distinctive element—gullwing doors[/caption]
The engine was tilted to maintain a low, aerodynamic profile[/caption]
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe goes under the hammer for a cool £1.1 million.
Finished in a striking Strawberry Red metallic paint with a pristine Natural leather interior, this iconic 1950s classic is a head-turner in every sense.
The vibrant red hue extends to the dashboard, complemented by chrome details, while a matching set of luggage sits neatly behind the seats.
The car, now up for auction with Broad Arrow Auctions, has a rich history, having been part of prestigious collections owned by the likes of Sid Craig and former San Diego Padres owner John Jay Moores.
Labelled the “first true sports car” developed by Daimler-Benz after World War II, the 300L Gullwing Coupe was a game-changer in its era.
It’s distinctive gullwing doors were born out of necessity due to the car’s tubular space frame, which was too high for conventional door.
The 300 SL was based on Mercedes’ 1952 racing car and introduced ground-breaking innovations, including the brand’s first use of direct fuel injection.
This boosted its output by 40 horsepower compared to its carbureted predecessor, making it a lightweight powerhouse at just 2,866 pounds.
This particular model, with chassis number 5500429, rolled off the production line on 20 June 1955 in Graphite Grey, one of only 61 cars to feature this finish that year.
Its interior was originally specified with red leather.
But it was transformed into its current eye-catching strawberry red Metallic with a natural leather interior during a comprehensive restoration in California.
After the restoration, the car was acquired by noted collector Sid Craig and later displayed at the Academy of Art University Collection for 15 years, where it captivated students and visitors alike.
The first true sports car developed by Daimler-Benz after World War II was made possible by Max Hoffman, an Austrian-American and the official U.S. importer of the brand.
It has a natural leather interior in perfect condition[/caption]
The strawberry red colour is continued inside the car along the dashboard[/caption]
The streamlined body also introduced several innovations, including Mercedes-Benz’s first use of direct fuel injection, which boosted output by 40 horsepower[/caption]
