1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

If not for US importer Max Hoffman and his vision to offer a Mercedes-Benz sports coupe based on the immortal W194 series race cars, the 300 SL line would never have come to production. The success of the factory team was having a positive effect on Mercedes-Benz sales in the US. However, without a car clearly related to the race-winning machines, the marketing advantage of the costly racing effort was limited. Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz management only approved the 300 SL project after Mr. Hoffman made a firm commitment to purchase 1,000 of the cars for US distribution.

Integral to the marketing plan for the new sports car was the expectation that the cars would be used in competition by private owners to further drive sales in the showrooms, so the factory ensured that the 300 SL was accepted by the FIA for international racing events. As a result, the factory made the production Gullwing available with a host of optional competition-oriented parts, raising its already newsworthy capabilities to new heights.

According to a copy of its factory build record, the Gullwing presented here, chassis 5500517, was optioned with Motor mit Sonderteilen für sportliches Fahren (motor with special parts for sport driving), commonly known as the NSL-series engine, with a high-performance camshaft, modified injection pump, and recalibrated distributor, which added a not-insignificant 20 hp. Appropriately, this Gullwing’s matching-numbers engine is stamped with the NSL designation. Perhaps equally important, it was built with the sport suspension option, which included stiffer, shorter springs that lowered the car slightly, as well as special shock absorbers that enhanced peak performance. In keeping with its competition capabilities, the 300 SL was specified with Rudge knock-off wheels, and German Racing Silver (DB 180) paint, accented by a red leather interior. Taken all together, this Gullwing was built with most of the options typically associated with the 29 original alloy-bodied cars (Type 198.043), but without the fragility of that model’s thin-gauge body and plastic windows.

The Gull Wing Group registry records early ownership of this competition-oriented Coupe among California-based club members before it made its way to Mercedes-Benz aficionado Dr. Myron Glickfeld of Fort Worth, Texas. By the early 1990s, the Gullwing joined another private Texas collection, where it would remain for over 30 years. In 1994, it was entrusted to the highly regarded Bob Smith Coachworks in Gainesville, Texas, for a body-on restoration, preserving the important factory assembly. During the photodocumented restoration, the Gullwing was refinished in its original German Racing Silver (DB 180) and red leather, with the seat cushions trimmed in plaid fabric. A two-piece set of rare, original Karl Baisch luggage is strapped in place behind the seats. In the ensuing decades, the Gullwing was enjoyed at the owners’ homes in Texas and California, and maintenance receipts are on file from both Eriksson Enterprises near the Monterey Peninsula and the renowned 300 SL expert Rene Luteraan of Southern California.

Sparingly used since its acquisition by the consignor, the fine-grain metallic paint continues to present beautifully and the restored engine compartment shows signs of light, careful use, just as one would hope to see. The Gullwing’s belly pans are in place and four of the polished-rim Rudge wheels display correct June 1955 date codes. Sporting consistent panel gaps, proper, large, etched Sekurit logos on the fixed glass, correctly bright-dipped window surrounds, and outstanding chrome plating, this 300 SL exudes attention to detail throughout.

Nothing short of iconic even when new, 300 SLs have only grown in popularity, defining many aspects of the collector-car hobby. Chassis 5500517, however, is proof that not all Gullwings are equal.

Presented here is a Gullwing that offers something truly extraordinary, with factory enhancements that place it above the far more common, standard-specification examples. This German Racing Silver coupe proudly sits – slightly lower – on its original Rudge knock-off wheels, a subtle reminder of its capabilities. Its next chapter has yet to be written, but will likely include tales of adventure on epic roads, gorgeous locales, and memorable organized events.

Notes Please note that this vehicle is titled 1956 and as 5500517.