“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 discerning collectors, the pursuit of the ultimate prize often culminates in acquiring the “last” of a truly significant series. To possess the final iteration of a coveted collectible, through any means—be it foresight, perseverance, privilege, or sheer luck—is to hold something uniquely special, an item that by its very nature, becomes unparalleled. In the realm of vintage collectibles, the quest to secure the definitive example can span decades and involve considerable investment, assuming such an artifact is even accessible to private individuals, rather than enshrined in a museum or corporate vault, shielded from public reach.
Indeed, many of the world’s most desirable collectibles are permanently out of reach, never to be traded again. This reality elevates the opportunity to own the last of anything, especially an iconic sports car like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, into a once-in-a-lifetime prospect.
Celebrated as the “sportscar of the century” and universally admired for its breathtaking aesthetics, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing stands as a titan among iconic sports car designs. It undeniably reigns as the most important and universally admired automobile ever produced by Mercedes-Benz, a testament to their storied and triumphant history.
The allure of “The Last Gullwing” is profound, imbuing this particular car—and its future custodian—with the legacy of victory, glamour, and sheer automotive brilliance that the 300 SL embodies. For those seeking a Mercedes 300sl Gullwing For Sale, understanding this heritage is paramount.
A Ubiquitous Icon: The Gullwing’s Enduring Cultural Impact
The 300 SL Gullwing’s influence on the 20th century’s cultural landscape extends far beyond the racetrack, largely because it was produced in relatively substantial numbers. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured 1,400 Gullwings, with a significant portion seeing competitive action on circuits worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its daring and unconventional design—dictated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis, a direct descendant of the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved a remarkable ubiquity. It was seemingly everywhere, all at once, from appearances on the silver screen to cruising down Mulholland Drive, from the fashionable Champs-Élysées to adventures in the Arctic Circle, and from pristine motor show displays to the mud-splattered glory of the winner’s podium. In contrast to many highly collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing was remarkably prevalent.
The close technical and visual kinship to its racing sibling, the 300 SLR sports racer of 1955, further enhanced the 300 SL’s appeal. If the production Gullwing is often hailed as the “first supercar,” then its 3.0-liter SLR counterpart could be considered the “first hypercar,” effortlessly surpassing speeds of 180 mph thanks to its featherweight magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine. In a landmark event in 2022, RM Sotheby’s facilitated the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for an astounding $142 million, establishing it as the most valuable automobile in history. This pedigree undeniably elevates the desirability of any Mercedes 300SL Gullwing for sale.
Beyond motorsports coverage, the 300 SL frequently graced the entertainment pages, becoming synonymous with socialites, industry titans, movie icons, and royalty. The Gullwing was also a canvas for personal expression; owners could specify unique color combinations and a vast array of factory options.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s race-winning heritage earned it countless victories in prestigious international sports car races, along with numerous amateur rally, road, and endurance racing championships. Yet, perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of the Gullwing was its ability to achieve such racing success while simultaneously being recognized as one of the most elegant, stylish, and coveted automobiles of the century—a machine often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” This blend of performance and beauty is a key reason why enthusiasts search for a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing for sale even today.
“The Last Gullwing”: A Unique Opportunity
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the definitive end of an era for their most celebrated model, a car whose iconic status has remained unchallenged.
This particular car, “The Last Gullwing,” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. It was later integrated into the Mercedes-Benz US distribution network on September 27, 1957. While there may have been other exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its shipment to America nearly two months later, records are unclear. By the time 7500079 was released from its promotional duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of the 300 SL Roadster, its successor.
Intriguingly, the factory data card copies accompanying “The Last Gullwing” reveal its original specification: Fire Engine Red (DB 534) exterior with a bespoke Crème leather interior (1060), English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended stay at the factory, the wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster. These unique factory specifications add to the desirability for collectors seeking a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing for sale.
After arriving in America, this exceptionally significant and remarkably original example lived a somewhat low-profile existence. However, it has been cherished by a select lineage of just four recorded owners from new. “The Last Gullwing” retains its factory-correct color scheme and boasts matching numbers for its chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, numbered 7500024, is also believed to be original, although factory records list it as simply “324.”
“The Last Gullwing” is now available after more than 25 years under the stewardship of its most recent private collector. Meticulously restored by its owner over several years, the car received a prestigious invitation to the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the first time the model had been accepted into this highly selective event. The judges and attendees lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a notable debut and a testament to the quality of its restoration. This Pebble Beach recognition further enhances the appeal for anyone considering a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing for sale.
Despite its undisputed status as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated and successful production model, the 300 SL Gullwing has captivated enthusiasts for seven decades. Its enduring appeal stems not just from its Hollywood glamour, motorsport victories, or fleeting beauty, but from embodying an ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
Unmatched in provenance and historical importance as the final Gullwing produced, “The Last Gullwing” offers an ownership opportunity that transcends mere possession. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, with the model’s triumphs, and with the individuals who made that success possible. For those in the market for a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing for sale, “The Last Gullwing” represents the pinnacle of this iconic model’s legacy.
Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, Diego Maradona’s final cleats, or Picasso’s ultimate masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent ideal of collecting that surpasses its material nature as a mechanical object. To own the “last” of an era-defining icon is to possess a tangible piece of history itself. For serious collectors, the search for a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing for sale often leads to considering examples like “The Last Gullwing” – a truly unparalleled acquisition.
