The undisputed monarch of the classic car world has reaffirmed its reign. A breathtakingly scarce 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing achieved a staggering $6.8 million sale at the recent RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale auction, establishing a new benchmark for this legendary model.
This particular vehicle, chassis number 5500332, affectionately known as the “Weckerlé Alloy,” is not just any 1955 Mercedes Gullwing. It represents one of a mere 24 aluminum-bodied Gullwings meticulously crafted in 1955. Automotive historians and collectors widely regard these alloy versions as among the rarest and most coveted production cars ever created.
The allure of this specific 1955 Mercedes Gullwing extends beyond its rarity. It stands out as one of the select few that retain its original, numbers-matching components. This includes its potent 3.0-liter NSL inline-6 engine, a high-speed 3.42 rear axle, original front spindles, and iconic Rudge wheels. Crucially, it also boasts its authentic alloy body and the factory-correct paint scheme, preserving its historical integrity.
Adding to its distinguished history, the “Weckerlé Alloy” underwent a comprehensive, frame-off restoration by the renowned Paul Russell & Company, completed in late 1979. This meticulous restoration not only revitalized the body and mechanical elements but also introduced luxurious new gaberdine upholstery and a bespoke set of matching luggage, enhancing its vintage charm and collectibility. The exceptional quality of this restoration was immediately recognized when the vehicle earned the prestigious “Best Gullwing” title at the Gullwing Group’s 1980 National Meeting. Subsequently, this stunning 1955 Mercedes Gullwing became a celebrated participant in prestigious car shows, concours events, and vintage rallies across the nation, consistently captivating enthusiasts with its beauty and historical significance. Even today, this vintage Mercedes continues to be an absolute showstopper.
While remarkably all 24 of the Alloy Gullwings are believed to still exist, they rarely appear on the open market. This scarcity dramatically elevates the value of the alloy variant, making it approximately five times more valuable than its standard steel-bodied counterpart. To illustrate this point, a steel-bodied 1955 300 SL, also featuring its original engine, sold for a comparatively modest $1.7 million at the same RM Sotheby’s auction. This stark price difference underscores the premium placed on the lightweight alloy construction and the unparalleled exclusivity of the 1955 Mercedes Gullwing Alloy.
To truly appreciate the extraordinary appreciation in value, consider this: the original retail price of a 300 SL coupe in the 1950s was a mere $6,820 – roughly equivalent to $71,000 in today’s inflation-adjusted dollars. This means the value of this iconic car has skyrocketed by nearly 10,000 percent, significantly outperforming traditional investment benchmarks like the S&P 500 by a factor of ten over the same period. The 1955 Mercedes Gullwing is not just a beautiful automobile; it’s a blue-chip investment and a tangible piece of automotive history.
Indeed, the $6.8 million auction price cements the 1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing Alloy’s status as the unrivaled “King of the Gullwings.” Its record-breaking sale is a testament to its enduring appeal, exceptional rarity, and the unwavering passion of collectors worldwide. This iconic vehicle continues to captivate and inspire, representing the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering from a golden era.
