1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

198.040.5500594roadGermany

Engine: 3.0L inline six-cylinder with Bosch mechanical fuel injection
Colour: Silver Grey

A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, one of approximately 1,400 produced, originally delivered in the United States and finished from the factory in Medium Blue over light grey leather. The car spent its early years in New York state before passing through several documented American owners. Low indicated mileage at the time of its most recent acquisition, a comprehensive engine rebuild, and a bare-metal repaint preceded appearances at multiple concours events in 2013, where it earned class recognition.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$1,485,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
—Auction sale
Sold US$1,270,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
→ 2001Acquisition unknown
Richard M. Mills
partial documentation
Owner from Cleveland Heights, Ohio; car passed to the current owner in 2001 showing approximately 39,834 miles.
2001 →Acquisition unknown
Current vendor
partial documentation
Had extensive mechanical and cosmetic work carried out, including engine rebuilds, brake work, full repaint in 2013, and new headliner; used the car sparingly.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
David Todd
partial documentation
Early owner based in New York City during the car's initial years in New York state.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Martin Alperstein
partial documentation
Owner from Fishkill, New York, also part of the car's early period in New York state.

Competition

2013
2013 Radnor Hunt 100 Motorcars
Pre-1959 Debutante Award
First concours appearance after the 2013 bare-metal repaint and restoration work.
2013
St. Michaels Concours d'Elegance 2013
Class award in Postwar Sports and Racing – Closed category
Shown approximately two weeks after the Radnor Hunt event.
2013
Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat (inaugural)
Invited to participate in the first running of this event, shortly after the St. Michaels concours.

Maintenance & restoration

2013Bodywork
Pollock Automotive Restoration
Full bare-metal strip and repaint in the current Silver Grey colour; new headliner installed during the same visit.
Carried out by the Pottstown, Pennsylvania shop prior to the car's 2013 concours season debut.
—
Maintenance
Exterior refinished from original Medium Blue to Mercedes-Benz Silver Grey; interior re-trimmed in deep blue leather, reversing the original colour scheme.
Undated; described as having occurred some years after the car's original delivery.
—Mechanical
Hjeltness Restoration
Major engine service performed; braking system overhauled including the master cylinder and brake booster rebuild. Correct rubber foot-well mats and a Talbot external mirror were also sourced and fitted.
Carried out after the current owner acquired the car in 2001; specialist Gullwing workshop based in Escondido, California.
—Engine rebuild
Mike Tilson Motorcars
Complete engine rebuild undertaken by a specialist ahead of the car's 2013 concours appearances.
Work performed by Ed Tatios at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania facility.

Are you the owner of this car?

This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.