Owning the last of anything truly exceptional places you in a realm of unparalleled exclusivity. In the world of vintage collectibles, acquiring the final piece of a coveted series is a pursuit often spanning decades and fortunes, assuming such a treasure isn’t already enshrined in a museum or private collection. The chance to possess the last of an automotive icon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a tangible link to history and legend. Among these icons, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing reigns supreme. Hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” it is celebrated for its breathtaking aesthetics, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance. The Gullwing stands as the most significant and universally admired creation in Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious history, a beacon of automotive excellence.
A Legacy Forged in Speed and Style
The 300 SL Gullwing’s profound impact on 20th-century culture extends far beyond motorsport, largely due to its surprisingly substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 Gullwings, with many seeing competitive action on racetracks worldwide. Instantly recognizable thanks to its striking and unconventional design – dictated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis derived from the dominant W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954 – the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. From Hollywood screens to scenic drives, from Parisian boulevards to arctic adventures, and from pristine motor show displays to victory podiums, the Gullwing was seemingly everywhere. In contrast to most collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing achieved iconic status through its very presence and accessibility.
The 300 SL’s close technical and visual kinship with its racing sibling, the 300 SLR of 1955, further amplified its appeal. While the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” its 3.0-liter SLR counterpart has been called the “first hypercar,” effortlessly exceeding 180 mph thanks to its lightweight magnesium body and 300 horsepower engine. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for an astounding $142 million on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, solidifying its position as the most valuable car in history. This racing pedigree and technological prowess were intrinsically linked to the road-going Gullwing, elevating its desirability and cementing its legendary status.
More Than Just a Car: A Cultural Phenomenon
Beyond its motorsport achievements, the 300 SL Gullwing transcended its automotive origins to become a cultural icon. It graced the entertainment pages as often as the sports sections, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The Gullwing was also a canvas for individuality, offering owners a spectrum of color combinations and a wealth of factory options to personalize their vehicles. This bespoke nature, combined with its inherent glamour, solidified its position as a symbol of personal expression and refined taste.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s racing pedigree translated into countless victories at prestigious sports car races, along with numerous rally, road, and endurance championships. Yet, what truly distinguishes the Gullwing is its ability to achieve these sporting laurels while simultaneously embodying elegance, sophistication, and desirability. It was, and remains, a machine often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels,” a testament to its futuristic design and groundbreaking engineering.
The Last Gullwing: A Unique Piece of History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the final chapter in the production of their most celebrated model. Its iconic status remains unchallenged, its legacy undiminished. This particular car began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially displayed at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before being dispatched to the United States Mercedes-Benz distribution network on September 27, 1957. While further show appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its American shipment remain undocumented, it is known that by the time 7500079 was released from exhibition duties, the factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, the accompanying factory data card copies reveal that “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) over a special-order full Crème leather interior (1060), featuring English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, due to its extended factory stay, a set of wider 15 x 5½-inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its profound significance and inherent uniqueness, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, this remarkably original and correct example has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners from new. It retains its factory-correct color combination and boasts matching numbers for its chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. The rear axle, numbered 7500024 (recorded as “324” on data cards), is also believed to be original.
“The Last Gullwing” is now offered after more than 25 years in the care of its most recent private custodian. Meticulously restored over several years by its owner, the car debuted at the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – a historic moment as the model’s inaugural entry into this highly exclusive event. The judges and attendees lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class, a resounding testament to the quality of its restoration.
A Transcendent Ideal
The iconic 300 SL Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz’s most renowned and successful production model, has maintained its captivating allure for seven decades. Its enduring appeal transcends mere glamour, motorsport glory, or fleeting beauty. Instead, the Gullwing embodies an ideal: the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Unmatched in provenance and significance as the final factory-delivered example of the celebrated super-leicht, “The Last Gullwing” offers an opportunity that surpasses mere ownership. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, with the triumphs of the model and the individuals who contributed to its success.
Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, Diego Maradona’s final cleats, or Picasso’s last masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” represents a transcendent ideal in collecting. To possess the “last” of an era-defining artifact is to hold a tangible piece of history itself. For discerning collectors and automotive enthusiasts, the Gullwing Mercedes 300sl, particularly “The Last Gullwing,” represents the pinnacle of automotive artistry and historical significance.
