Mercedes 300SL Gullwing “Barn Find” Waits To Be Painted For Over 50 Years

Mercedes is bringing not one, but two classic 300SL Gullwings at this year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Florida, which also happen to have successive chassis numbers.

The first one, pictured here, will be presented in its original “bard find” condition as it was discovered by Mercedes-Benz Classic at the end of 2018.

Chassis number 43 was originally shipped to Miami in 1954 and was registered for just ten years. Everything on the car is deemed original, from the glasshouse to the grey leather interior and from the drivetrain to the wheels – even the “Englebert Competition” tires are the same ones you would get with the car decades ago.

The only modification of the car since the day it left the production line is the body finish; the car was originally painted mid blue but at some point the decision was taken to have it repainted. The car was taken out of service in the mid-1960s, having its bodywork sanded and primed but the new paint finish was never applied.

Mercedes will also reveal chassis number 44, a completely restored example to the exact condition of a 300SL Gullwing built in 1954. The car will feature some lovely details, including handcrafted components like the “gooseneck” gearshift, the exhaust manifold, the three-pointed star badge and a valve cover with magnesium paint.

Mercedes’ presence at the 2019 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in Florida will also include the Vision EQ Silver Arrow concept and a replica of the classic 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, the iconic touring race car from 1971.