Following Mercedes-Benz’s triumphant racing successes with the W194 at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, there was a growing demand for a road-legal version. Recognizing the significance of the American market, and with persistent encouragement from New York importer Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz developed the W198. This model, swiftly known as the 300 SL and affectionately nicknamed the “Gullwing,” was first showcased at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York. Remarkably, the 300 SL marked the first time a Mercedes-Benz was unveiled internationally before its domestic debut.
Just a year into its production, Dr. Fritz Nallinger, Mercedes-Benz’s chief engineer, proposed a more focused “competition” variant of the W198. This was intended for privateer and amateur racers eager to push their 300 SLs to their performance limits. By February 1954, Dr. Nallinger successfully persuaded the board to approve this special-order model, discreetly marketed as Leichtmetallausführung—or Light Metal Version. This “Alloy” Gullwing was far more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it was a dedicated competition machine. It boasted not only a lightweight alloy body but also the more potent NSL engine, a sport-tuned suspension, a 4.11:1 rear axle, lighter Rudge knock-off wheels, and even Plexiglas for the rear window and side screens. These enhancements came at a significant premium, adding $1,307 to the standard 300 SL’s price.
However, the high cost, coupled with stiff competition from established racing marques like Ferrari, restricted the Alloy Gullwing’s production run to a mere 12 months, resulting in only 29 units ever being manufactured.
LIGHT METAL IN SCHWARZ: The Unique Chinetti ‘Alloy’
Chassis number 198.043.5500872, completed on January 12, 1956, holds a distinctive place in Alloy Gullwing history. It was the 26th alloy-bodied example to emerge from the Untertürkheim production line, and notably, the first one finished in 1956. Uniquely, this car was the only one of these ultra-rare vehicles painted in Schwarz (DB 40), or black, creating a striking contrast with its Red leather (1079) interior. Its data card, a copy of which is meticulously documented, confirms all the standard Leichtmetallausführung features—alloy body, NSL engine, sports suspension, Rudge wheels, and more—along with optional extras like a windshield washer system, special-order paint (including an extra kilogram for touch-ups), and a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio.
On January 16th, the completed car left the factory, destined for Milanese agent Saporiti. Reportedly, Saporiti delivered it to none other than Luigi Chinetti, a legendary figure celebrated for his victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a driver and for becoming Ferrari’s North American importer and founder of the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.). It is believed that Chinetti acquired this Alloy Gullwing to evaluate Mercedes-Benz’s offering against his existing Ferrari inventory.
A Hidden Treasure: Never Publicly Displayed
Rudi Klein’s encounter with Luigi Chinetti at the 1976 Daytona 500 led to an agreement to purchase the Alloy Gullwing for $30,000. Rudi placed a $3,000 deposit with one of Chinetti’s employees at the race. An invoice from Luigi Chinetti Motors, dated August 30, 1976, corroborates the transaction, indicating the final payment was due before delivery on September 11th. However, correspondence from Hagwood Trucking reveals that the car was not actually picked up from Chinetti until early March 1977. Photographs within the historical file depict the Gullwing upon Rudi’s acquisition, silver in color with its original red leather interior. In a letter, Rudi noted the car was “sound [with] no damage. Equipment on car includes radio, spare, etc. and knock-offs.” Another photograph captures the car’s arrival at the premises of Porche Foreign Auto.
Remarkably, the Klein sons believe this Alloy Gullwing was unique in Rudi’s collection of significant vehicles, as he never drove or exhibited it. Upon arrival from Chinetti, the car was stored in the central building of his junkyard. It remained there, unseen by the public, until its recent announcement for auction at RM Sotheby’s Monterey in 2024. Over the decades, some parts were unfortunately sold off, including the front bumpers, shift knob, tool kit, jack, and spare wheel. Despite this, with 73,387 kilometers (~45,600 miles) recorded at the time of cataloging, the car remains remarkably original. It retains its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box, and front spindles, all verified against the data card. Its four road wheels also bear matching date codes, and the factory alloy bodywork still features the body number “26” stamped on both doors, the dashboard edge, and the interior roof panel. Few competition cars from this era, often raced and frequently damaged, have survived in such a well-preserved and original state.
The only readily apparent damage is a dent in the rear, a result of Rudi reportedly backing into the Gullwing with his forklift in 1981.
While not entirely “lost,” as chassis number 198.043.5500872 was known to 300 SL enthusiasts and registers, it remained, like many vehicles at Porche Foreign Auto, inaccessible to the wider world. It may well be the most secretive car within a collection famed for its obscurity, having remained within the walls of Porche Foreign Auto—and primarily within a single building—for nearly half a century. Now, this final unrestored “Alloy” Gullwing, with its distinguished provenance of Luigi Chinetti ownership and its unique black factory finish, emerges. It is a car with an undeniably unparalleled history, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Sl 300 Mercedes. Just remember to watch out for forklifts.
