1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé
- Engine
- 3.0L SOHC inline-six with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication, 215 bhp DIN at 5,800 rpm
- Colour
- White (DB 50)
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, chassis 198.040.5500272, is among the most celebrated production sports cars of its era, combining a fuel-injected 3.0-litre straight-six with a lightweight tubular-steel spaceframe and the iconic upward-opening doors demanded by that structure. Originally delivered through Max Hoffman's New York dealership in white over red leather, the car passed through notable American and Italian collectors before participating in the Mille Miglia Storica twice in the 1990s.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €1,176,000 (≈ $1.29M)
- → 1992Private saleGiordano Biraglipartial documentation
Received the car from the Italian collector; during this period the vehicle was registered on Italian plates MI 8P6400.
- 1992 →Private saleCurrent sellerpartial documentation
Acquired the car in early 1992; entered it in the Mille Miglia Storica twice and later had the engine, brakes, and general condition attended to after a display period. FIVA Passport obtained in September 2015.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryHenry A. Harrellpartial documentation
Original recipient of the car, delivered via Max Hoffman's New York dealership; listed in the Gull Wing Group Registry as the first owner.
- Date unknownPrivate saleErnest Sternpartial documentation
Well-regarded American collector based in Pittsburgh who acquired the car from Harrell; kept it alongside numerous notable vehicles including a Bugatti Type 57 once owned by the Shah of Iran.
- Date unknownPrivate saleItalian collectorpartial documentation
Purchased the car out of the United States in the early 1990s but held it only briefly before passing it on.
Competition
- 1993Mille Miglia Storica
Entered by the current seller; specific result not recorded in the prose.
- 1999Mille Miglia Storica
Second participation by the current seller; no finishing position stated.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2015Inspection
FIVA Passport issued, formally certifying the car's historic identity and technical specification.
- —Service
Full engine service and general recommissioning carried out after a period during which the car had been kept as a static display piece, along with an overhaul of the braking system and cosmetic detailing.
Work performed relatively recently before the auction; the car also received its FIVA Passport in September 2015.
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