“The 300 SL is prophecy incarnate. It’s a pace-setter, a style-setter, a design conception that is bound to influence the world’s automotive industry for many years to come… Literally, the 300 SL is a car of the future that can be possessed today…it’s just about impossible to duplicate what the 300SL has to offer at any price.”
—Griff Borgeson, Sports Cars Illustrated, April 1956
For collectors of vintage automobiles, the pursuit of “the last” of a celebrated model represents the ultimate prize. To own the final iteration of a truly remarkable machine is to possess something uniquely significant, a tangible link to the end of an era. While many coveted collectibles are permanently enshrined in museums or private collections, inaccessible to most, the opportunity to acquire the last example of an automotive icon is a rare and extraordinary event.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, often hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” stands as a paragon of automotive design and engineering. Its breathtaking aesthetics, groundbreaking technology, and exhilarating performance have cemented its place as the most significant and universally admired vehicle in Mercedes-Benz’s storied history. This article explores the enduring legacy of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, focusing on its impact, its allure, and what makes it such a timeless masterpiece.
The Ubiquitous Icon: A Cultural Phenomenon
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing transcended the realm of motorsport to become a global cultural symbol in the mid-20th century. Produced between 1954 and 1957, with 1,400 examples manufactured, the Gullwing was not an obscure rarity. Instead, it achieved a remarkable level of visibility, gracing racetracks worldwide and simultaneously capturing the public’s imagination.
Its distinctive design, dictated by its innovative lightweight spaceframe chassis—a direct descendant of the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of the early 1950s—made the 300 SL Gullwing instantly recognizable. From appearances on the silver screen and in celebrity circles to its presence at prestigious motor shows and its triumphs in grueling races, the Gullwing seemed to be everywhere. This ubiquity set it apart from other highly collectible mid-century exotics from marques like Ferrari, BMW, and Jaguar, enhancing its desirability and solidifying its iconic status.
The 300 SL Gullwing also benefited from its close relationship to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955. While the Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” the 300 SLR, with its lightweight magnesium body and powerful 300-horsepower engine, could be argued as the “first hypercar,” capable of speeds exceeding 180 mph. The historical significance and value of the SLR were underscored in 2022 when RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for an astounding $142 million, making it the most valuable car ever sold. This racing pedigree further elevated the Gullwing’s appeal.
Beyond its performance and racing achievements, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing became synonymous with glamour and exclusivity. It was the car of choice for socialites, business magnates, Hollywood stars, and royalty. Owners could personalize their Gullwings with a wide array of color combinations and factory options, making each car a statement of individual style and taste.
Engineering and Racing Prowess
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing was not just a beautiful object; it was a technological tour de force. Its advanced engineering and racing heritage contributed significantly to its allure. The spaceframe chassis, necessary for its lightweight construction and performance, was a groundbreaking innovation for a production car. This, combined with its powerful inline-six engine and sophisticated suspension, delivered world-beating performance.
The 300 SL Gullwing achieved considerable success in motorsport, securing victories in numerous prestigious sports car races and rally championships. However, its most remarkable feat was achieving these racing accolades while simultaneously being recognized as one of the most elegant and desirable automobiles of its time. It was often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels,” a testament to its futuristic design and advanced technology.
“The Last Gullwing”: A Singular Piece of History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079. This car holds the unique distinction of being “The Last Gullwing,” the final example of this pivotal model to leave the factory. Its significance as the ultimate bookend to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing production run is undeniable.
“The Last Gullwing” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially displayed by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Subsequently, it was dispatched to the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States on September 27, 1957. While its exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion in June and its American shipment remain undocumented, by the time it was released from show duties, the successor 300 SL Roadster was already in production.
Factory records indicate “The Last Gullwing” was originally finished in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a bespoke full Crème leather interior (1060). It was also specified with English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory stay, the wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its extraordinary provenance, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America relatively unnoticed. However, it has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners from new. Remarkably, it retains its factory-correct color combination and matching-numbers chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. The rear axle is also believed to be original.
After being under the care of its most recent private custodian for over 25 years, “The Last Gullwing” underwent a meticulous restoration, culminating in an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the first time the 300 SL Gullwing model was accepted into this highly exclusive event. The car was met with acclaim, earning 3rd in Class, a testament to the quality of its restoration and its inherent appeal.
Transcending Ownership: Possessing a Legacy
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s enduring appeal stems from its embodiment of glamour, racing success, and timeless beauty. It represents an ideal of automotive excellence that has resonated for seven decades. “The Last Gullwing,” as the final example, amplifies this significance.
To own “The Last Gullwing” is more than just owning a car; it is to be associated with the greatness of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and all that it represents. Similar to owning Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, possessing “The Last Gullwing” transcends mere material ownership. It is about holding a tangible piece of history, a symbol of an era defined by automotive innovation and design brilliance. It is the ultimate collectible for those who seek not just a car, but a legacy.
