1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé
- Engine
- 3.0L SOHC inline-six, mechanical fuel injection, dry-sump, 215 bhp DIN / 240 bhp SAE
- Colour
- Light metallic blue
A 1954–1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe, originally delivered in Light Metallic Blue over red leather through Max Hoffman's New York dealership, equipped with Rudge knock-off wheels and fitted luggage. Its first owner was Raymond Maggard, a decorated WWII veteran and longtime California high-school athletics coach. The car passed through two further private owners, was repainted twice, and had its matching-numbers engine professionally rebuilt by noted 300 SL specialist Siegfried Linke. It retains a largely original interior, correct brightwork, and original Rudge wheels.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,350,000 – US$1,500,000
- 1995 →Private salePeter and Paul Hagemanpartial documentation
Well-known father-and-son collectors who acquired the car via a Washington State dealer following a repaint in Graphite Grey. They retained the original California black license plates and had the engine rebuilt by specialist Siegfried Linke.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryRaymond Maggardpartial documentation
First owner, based in San Pedro, California. Took delivery via Max Hoffman's New York outlet; car was specified in metallic blue with red leather and premium factory options.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownAnonymous Los Angeles ownerpartial documentation
Placed the car in storage after having it repainted in dark blue; the mechanical components were otherwise left undisturbed during this period.
Competition
- —Colorado Grand
Car participated on multiple occasions during Hageman family ownership, driven for enjoyment rather than competition.
- —Pebble Beach Motoring Classic
Car took part in the touring event on more than one occasion while owned by the Hagemans.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1995Bodywork
Car was repainted Graphite Grey, superseding the earlier dark blue repaint, prior to its sale through a Washington State dealer.
- —Bodywork
Vehicle was repainted in dark blue at some point during the second private owner's tenure, departing from the original Light Metallic Blue factory finish.
Receipts for this repaint are on file.
- —Engine rebuildSiegfried Linke
The original matching-numbers inline-six engine was comprehensively rebuilt for the first time by specialist Siegfried Linke, a widely recognised authority on the 300 SL.
Carried out during the Hageman ownership period, after use on the Colorado Grand and Pebble Beach Motoring Classic. Service receipts are on file.
- —Service
Additional service work carried out during the Hageman ownership period; receipts retained in the car's documentation file.
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