1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Alloy Coupe (Leichtmetallausführung)
- Engine
- 3.0L inline-six NSL competition unit with performance camshaft, elevated compression, and recalibrated fuel injection, producing over 215 bhp
- Colour
- Silver Gray Metallic
Chassis 5500332 is one of just 29 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwings ever built for privateer competition, completed at Untertürkheim on 27 May 1955 and delivered to official Moroccan agent and racing driver Joseph F. Weckerlé — the only such example sent new to Africa. Fitted with the high-output NSL engine, Rudge centre-lock wheels, plexiglas glazing, and an aluminium body shell, it was the 13th of 24 alloy cars produced in 1955. Imported to the United States, it passed through several American owners before receiving a celebrated restoration by Paul Russell and Company, after which it was judged Best Gullwing at the 1980 Gullwing Group National Meeting. The car was subsequently held for roughly three decades by prominent Mercedes-Benz Club of America president Hyatt Cheek, who used it actively on road tours and rallies.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$6,825,000
- 1955-06-01 →Factory deliveryJoseph F. Weckerléfull documentation
Official Mercedes-Benz agent based in Casablanca, Morocco, who ordered the car new. The only alloy example he commissioned, making it the sole such specimen delivered new to Africa.
- 1962 → 1975Acquisition unknownMercer D. Helmspartial documentation
Based in Montgomery, Alabama. The car had been imported to the United States by the time his ownership began.
- 1975 → 1982Private saleJack F. Bryan Jr.full documentation
Dallas, Texas resident who promptly commissioned a thorough restoration by Paul Russell and Company, completed around late 1979 at a cost of approximately $45,000. Drove the car home from the workshop upon its completion.
- 1982 →Private saleHyatt Cheekfull documentation
Fellow Dallas resident and then-president of the Gullwing Group who acquired the car from Bryan. Actively used the car at club events and road rallies across the country, with maintenance invoices on file documenting his ownership.
Competition
- 1980Gullwing Group 1980 National MeetingBest Gullwing award
The car was recognized as the finest example of the Gullwing model at this gathering, shortly after completion of Bryan's restoration by Paul Russell and Company.
- —Colorado GrandDriver: Hyatt Cheek
Cheek participated in multiple editions of this road rally during his ownership, alongside other MBCA and Gullwing Group touring events.
- —Texas 1000Driver: Hyatt Cheek
Cheek completed several running of this road rally, with participation documented in club member publications.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1979RestorationPaul Russell and Company
Complete restoration of body and mechanical components carried out by Paul Russell and Company (then trading as Gullwing Service Company in Topsfield, Massachusetts). Work included minor aluminium stress repairs inside the engine bay; the car was refinished in its original factory colour combination and fitted with a new matching luggage set. Documented cost was approximately $45,000 at the time.
Work commenced in 1975 and was completed in late 1979. A photo album and handwritten work orders recording the process are on file with the car.
- —Service
Ongoing routine mechanical maintenance carried out during Hyatt Cheek's approximately thirty-year ownership to support regular touring and rally use.
Invoices documenting this maintenance are retained with the car.
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