1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupé
- Engine
- 3.0L SOHC inline-six, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, 215 bhp at 6,100 rpm
- Colour
- DB180 Silver over red leather
The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe (chassis 6500024) is a numbers-matching example that began its life as a Geneva Auto Show exhibit car, originally finished in ivory over green plaid. Its first private owner, Swiss tractor manufacturer Hans Hürlimann, suffered an early accident requiring factory repairs. The car subsequently passed through several owners in Texas and Mexico, including prominent Mexican collector Carlos Hank Rohn, before receiving a specialist restoration commissioned by its current family owners. It is presented today in silver over red leather.
Ownership
- 2025-05-04Auction saleEstimate US$1,350,000 – US$1,550,000
- 1956 →Private saleHans Hürlimannpartial documentation
Founder or representative of Swiss tractor manufacturer Hürlimann Traktoren; sustained road accident damage shortly after purchase, with the vehicle returned to the factory for repair.
- 1969 → 1982Private saleGeorgina Garcia Condefull documentation
San Antonio, Texas resident who purchased the car via Motor Imports for approximately $1,500; she subsequently brought the vehicle to Mexico, where it has remained.
- 1982 → 1986Private saleMexican owner, identity unknownpartial documentation
Held the car for only a brief period before selling to the next owner.
- 1986 → 1995Private saleCarlos Hank Rohnpartial documentation
Mexican businessman and collector; during his tenure the car was reportedly finished in red.
- 1995 →Private saleCurrent vendor familypartial documentation
Mexican family who commissioned a full restoration through a Pebble Beach award-winning specialist and maintained the car attentively for roughly three decades; recent pre-sale servicing included fuel pump rebuild and brake hydraulic work.
Competition
- 19521952 Mille MigliaDriver: Karl Kling2nd overall
Two 300SL coupes finished in the top four; Kling was runner-up to Bracco's Ferrari, with Caracciola fourth and a Lancia sandwiched between them. A third works coupe retired early.
- 19521952 Grand Prix of Berne1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall
Four 300SL coupes entered; three took the top positions. Caracciola crashed out in what turned out to be his final competitive event.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1956RepairMercedes-Benz factory
Following a road accident sustained by the first owner within three months of delivery, the car was returned to the Mercedes-Benz factory in Germany for accident repair work.
- 1995RestorationPebble Beach award-winning specialist (unnamed)
A full restoration was commissioned by the current owning family and carried out in Mexico by a specialist recognised with a Pebble Beach Concours award. The car was refinished in DB180 Silver with red leather upholstery.
- —Service
In preparation for sale, the fuel pump was rebuilt, the brake hydraulic system was serviced, and various minor service items were attended to.
Work reported by the vendor; no specific date given beyond being recent pre-sale preparation.
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