“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
Owning the last of a truly collectible item is a unique distinction. It signifies possessing something irreplaceable, a piece of history that no one else can claim. In the realm of vintage collectibles, particularly iconic sportscars, acquiring the final example can be a pursuit spanning decades, often involving significant investment. This quest becomes even more challenging when considering that many prized artifacts are permanently housed in museums or private collections, beyond the reach of individual buyers.
The chance to own the “last” of a legendary model is exceptionally rare, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, often hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” stands as a testament to groundbreaking design, advanced engineering, and exhilarating performance. It remains arguably the most significant and celebrated automobile in Mercedes-Benz’s esteemed history, captivating collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
This article explores the enduring legacy of the Mercedes Gullwing, focusing on its impact, design, and the unique significance of “The Last Gullwing.”
The Ubiquitous Icon: Mercedes Gullwing’s Global Impact
The Mercedes Gullwing transcended the realm of motorsport to permeate 20th-century culture. Produced in notable quantities—around 1,400 units between 1954 and 1957—many of these iconic cars were actively raced across the globe, contributing to its widespread recognition.
Instantly recognizable due to its distinctive gullwing doors—a design necessity dictated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis, inherited from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sportscars—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing seemed omnipresent. It graced the silver screen, cruised down Mulholland Drive, paraded along the Champs-Élysées, and even ventured into the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show displays to the winner’s circle, the Mercedes Gullwing was a symbol of both glamour and performance. Unlike many exclusive mid-century sports cars from Ferrari, BMW, Lamborghini, and Jaguar, the 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity, enhancing its iconic status.
Adding to its allure was the close technical and visual resemblance to its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR of 1955. While the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” the 3.0-liter SLR cousin, with its lightweight magnesium body and 300 horsepower engine, earned the moniker of “first hypercar,” achieving unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. The 2022 auction sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for a staggering $142 million by RM Sotheby’s solidified its position as the most valuable car in history, further elevating the Mercedes Gullwing lineage.
Beyond the racetrack, the Mercedes Gullwing became synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. It represented individuality and bespoke luxury, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and factory options, making each Mercedes Gullwing uniquely personal.
The 300 SL’s cutting-edge technology and racing pedigree resulted in countless victories in prestigious sportscar races and championships. Yet, what truly distinguishes the Gullwing is its ability to achieve such sporting success while embodying elegance, sophistication, and desirability. It was, and remains, a “spacecraft on four wheels.”
“The Last Gullwing”: A Singular Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the end of an era for their most significant model. This car stands as a unique bookend to the Mercedes Gullwing story, its legendary status unwavering over decades.
“The Last Gullwing” began as a special-order Standwagen, initially displayed at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Subsequently, it joined 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 dispatch remain undocumented, by the time it was released from show duties, the 300 SL Roadster, its successor, was already in production.
Intriguingly, factory records indicate “The Last Gullwing” was originally finished in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a special-order Crème leather interior (1060), English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels—typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster, a feature likely due to its extended factory stay.
Despite its extraordinary significance and originality, “The Last Gullwing” entered a period of relative obscurity in its early American life. However, it has been cherished by a select lineage of only four recorded owners. Remarkably, it retains its factory-correct color scheme and matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. The rear axle is also believed to be original.
After over 25 years under its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing,” beautifully restored, debuted at the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the first time the model was accepted into this exclusive event. Judges and attendees lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a testament to the quality of its restoration and its inherent appeal.
The Enduring Allure of the Mercedes Gullwing
The Mercedes Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, has maintained its iconic status for seven decades. Its appeal transcends Hollywood glamour or motorsport victories; it embodies an ideal of automotive excellence.
“The Last Gullwing,” as the final factory-delivered example, offers an ownership opportunity that surpasses mere possession. To be seen in this Mercedes Gullwing is to be associated with the car’s greatness and the legacy of success it represents.
Much like owning Michael Jordan’s final game jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, “The Last Gullwing” transcends its mechanical nature. Possessing the “last” of an era-defining icon is to hold a tangible piece of history. For collectors and enthusiasts, the Mercedes Gullwing, especially “The Last Gullwing,” represents the pinnacle of automotive artistry and enduring legacy.
