- The Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing was comprehensively restored in 1999.
- Power comes courtesy of a 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated six-cylinder with 215 hp.
- A resplendent red leather interior is one of the highlights of the German icon.
A sensational Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is heading to auction this weekend with no reserve. While the promise of the car being sold regardless of when the hammer falls may attract plenty of interested bidders, Mecum does expect the car to sell for between $1.8 million and $2 million, putting it out of reach of us mere mortals.
This 300SL Gullwing is one of just 70 examples produced for the 1957 model year and has been lovingly maintained over the decades as part of The Double G collection. It was comprehensively restored in 1999 and is painted in a beautiful shade known as Silver Gray. Just as spectacular as the exterior is the car’s cabin.
Watch: The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Was An Ergonomic Nightmare But An Engineering Dream
Adorning the seats, dashboard, and side sills is bright red leather that appears to be in pristine condition and is even found across a pair of large suitcases that sit behind the front seats. Adding to the gorgeous cabin is a 3-spoke woodgrain Nardi steering wheel, Alfred Baisch lap belts, and a large shifter with a cream-colored knob. In a world where modern interiors have become dominated by screens and piano black plastics, the cabin of this 300SL is a welcome reprieve.
Mecum Auctions
There’s plenty more to like about the German classic. It features chrome bumpers, original wing mirrors, and 15-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin XWX tires. It’s also being sold with the original belly pans and has only ever been driven 20,807 miles (33,485 km).
Power comes courtesy of a 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine producing 215 hp that’s coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. This engine drives the rear wheels and allows the 300 SL to hit a 162 mph (260 km/h) top speed – nothing to sneeze at even today, but much more impressive back in the day.
If you want (and are able to afford) a piece of Mercedes-Benz history like this, head over to Mecum to see how you can bid on the car.
