1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé

198.040.7500069roadGermany

Engine: 3.0L inline-six OHC, fuel-injected, dry-sump, 215 bhp (DIN) / 240 bhp (SAE)
Colour: Black (DB40)

A 1954–1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe, factory-ordered in black with a full red leather interior through Max Hoffman Motors. Delivered new to a Pennsylvania owner, the car passed through just two further local custodians before receiving a documented, numbers-matching restoration costing in excess of $695,000 by respected marque specialist Steve Babinsky. Retaining its original engine, drivetrain, Rudge knock-off wheels, and fitted luggage, the car was exhibited at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$1,485,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
Date unknownFactory delivery
Philip Newfiler
partial documentation
Original purchaser based in Allentown, Pennsylvania; acquired via special order through Max Hoffman Motors in black with red leather interior.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Bernard Berman
partial documentation
Allentown industrialist and early sporting-car enthusiast who kept the Gullwing for several decades alongside a varied collection of notable automobiles.
Date unknownPrivate sale
Pennsylvania-based collector
partial documentation
Third and most recent owner, also from the Quaker State region; commissioned an extensive restoration by Steve Babinsky of Automotive Restorations, costing over $695,000, with photographic and invoice records retained.

Competition

2011
2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
The car was displayed at this prestigious concours and received notable admiration from attendees.

Maintenance & restoration

—Restoration
Automotive Restorations
A thorough, high-standard restoration carried out by Steve Babinsky, with photographic documentation of the car's original patinated condition prior to work beginning. Invoices on file exceed $695,000. Original engine, transmission, steering box, belly pans, and drivetrain components were retained.
Work records include photographic evidence of original stampings and markings on drivetrain and body components confirming numbers-matching authenticity.

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.