1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé
- Engine
- 3.0L inline-six with mechanical fuel injection
- Colour
- Dunkelgrau (dark grey)
A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe, chassis 5500243, distinguished by its exceptionally rare Dunkelgrau (Dark Grey) factory finish paired with a red plaid cloth and fawn vinyl interior — recorded as the only example so configured in Eric Le Moine's authoritative Gullwing register. Completed in April 1955 to US specification, the car passed through a series of dedicated American enthusiasts before undergoing a comprehensive ground-up restoration by a team of California-based specialists using parts sourced directly from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,710,000
- 1959-03-01 → 1971-11-01Acquisition unknownDr. Anthony M. Puledpartial documentation
Based in Cleveland, Ohio; held the car for over a decade before selling to a local dealership.
- 1971-11-01 → 1987Private saleThe Car People, Inc.partial documentation
Dealership situated in North Royalton, Ohio; held the car in inventory for roughly sixteen years.
- 1987 → 1992Private saleFrank Galloglypartial documentation
Collector based in Englewood, New Jersey; had the engine rebuilt and the car repainted during his ownership.
- 1992 → 2001Private saleJohn Voughtpartial documentation
Resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut; maintained the car conscientiously throughout his tenure.
- 2001 → 2014Private salePeter Weinbergpartial documentation
Based in Monkton, Maryland; sold the car to the next owner who commissioned a full restoration.
- 2014 → 2015Private saleUnidentified California-area ownerpartial documentation
Commissioned a comprehensive restoration using predominantly California-based craftsmen and parts sourced from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine; sold shortly after restoration completion.
- 2015 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Acquired the car soon after the restoration was finished; subsequently had it detailed by RM Auto Restorations.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1987Engine rebuild
Engine rebuilt during Frank Gallogly's ownership, along with a full repaint of the bodywork.
Specific workshop not identified in the prose; work undertaken circa the time of Gallogly's acquisition.
- 1987Bodywork
Car repainted during Gallogly's stewardship, concurrent with the engine rebuild.
- 2014RestorationDavid Grant (lead coordinator); Van Nuys Sports Cars; Tony Castellano Classic Car Restoration; Quality Auto Upholstery; Hjeltness Restoration
Comprehensive ground-up restoration coordinated by 300 SL specialist David Grant of Santa Clarita, California. Work included engine assembly by Van Nuys Sports Cars (numbers-matching), four-speed gearbox servicing, bare-metal bodywork and repaint in factory-correct Dunkelgrau by Tony Castellano Classic Car Restoration, re-chroming and polishing of exterior brightwork, wheel refinishing, and fitment of Michelin XVS tires. Bumpers and fuel-system parts sourced from HK-Engineering in Germany. Interior retrimmed with correct-color high-quality leather by Quality Auto Upholstery, new headliner from Rudi Koniczek, and red tartan seat material from Hjeltness Restoration.
Numerous components obtained directly from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine. Restoration documented by a substantial invoice file. Hjeltness Restoration also supplied an alternate set of leather seat cushions that accompany the car.
- —ServiceRM Auto Restorations
Post-restoration detailing carried out to enhance the car's presentation.
Performed during the current consignor's ownership, after the 2014–2015 restoration was completed.
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