'54 Gullwing

. . . . at RM Auctions, in Phoenix:

215 bhp (DIN), 240 bhp (SAE), 2,996 cc overhead-camshaft inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox, independent front suspension with twin wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bar, independent swing axle rear suspension with coil springs and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers, and servo-assisted, four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5"

- Early production example; only the 49th car built
- Original red leather interior, factory-correct white exterior
- Recently serviced and ready for classic rallies and tours
- One of only 1,400 300SL Gullwings built in total
- Outstanding performance and handling

As was the case with several of Europe’s most important sports cars, Porsche and Ferrari included, the importation of a road-going 300SL to the United States would not have been possible without Max Hoffman. In fact, in the case of the SL, Hoffman, who was appointed Mercedes-Benz importer for the US market in 1952, deserves much of the credit for the development of the production car. In attending a meeting of Daimler-Benz’s Board of Directors, he assured everyone in attendance of the salability of the current model lines but also expressed particular interest in a production version of the famed 300SL racing car. Initial objections to the proposition were based on the belief that the SL’s development was carried out very quickly to meet Mercedes’ reentry into sports car racing. Thankfully, the determined Hoffman prevailed, leaving Germany with an order for 1,000 SLs, half of which became the much less potent but more affordable 190 variant.

Subsequent months of engineering, refinement and testing produced a car of outstanding performance, class and presence. Introduced in 1954 to thrilled crowds in New York, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL was essentially a supercar with a price tag to match well in excess of $7,000! Its popular success in the United States was undoubtedly due to the burgeoning American fascination with smaller, nimble European sports cars – an interest expressed by many GIs returning from World War II.

Additionally, the 300SL capitalized on the company’s racing successes and benefited from the technological advancements available therein. 300, of course, represented the engine’s displacement of three liters, while SL denoted “sport leicht” (sport light). Initially introduced as a coupe, the legendary sports car was conceived as a high-performance street machine with a thinly veiled racing character. The gullwing doors became the car’s visual signature and solved the cabin-entry problems posed by the car’s high-waisted frame. Additional styling cues included bulges over the wheel openings, two longitudinal hood bulges, and distinctive egg crate-like grillwork on both front fenders, which alleviated excessive heat and noise inside the car.

The early-production 300SL offered here is particularly significant, as only the 49th example produced, since the first 50 cars are considered by marque experts to be essentially the prototypes for the remaining 1,350 of the 1,400 total cars built in the series. According to the Gullwing Registry, it was special-ordered and completed on October 26, 1954, finished in white and trimmed with red leather upholstery. An entry in the Gullwing Registry dated 1989 also states that the car was equipped with the US-standard 3.64:1 rear-axle ratio.

Interestingly, this 300SL is also one of the 167 Gullwing Coupes (only about 11 percent of total production) built by Daimler-Benz at Unterturkheim, Stuttgart from August through December 1954. It was shipped to the United States on October 29, 1954, before being enjoyed by a series of different owners who were residents of Washington, Colorado and California. According to the vendor, a subsequent owner was Mr. Rocky Aoki, the colorful businessman and noted car collector who founded the Benihana restaurant chain. In 2008, the car was acquired by the current owner through a dealer, who was understood to have been representing Mr. Aoki’s estate at the time.

Of particular note, the red leather interior of the 300SL is completely original, with a very attractive and irreplaceable patina, while the factory-correct white exterior finish represents an older repaint revealing some signs of aging. Mechanically, the 300SL is factory correct in specification with the exception of upgrades under Mr. Aoki’s ownership, including a four-wheel disc brake conversion in the style of the Mercedes-Benz 600, with dual-caliper units up front. In addition, a stainless-steel fuel tank was installed during his ownership. The car also benefits from a comprehensive and recent mechanical re-commissioning under the current owner by Kevin Kay Restorations. The work included the installation of new Koni shock absorbers and a stainless-steel exhaust system. In addition, the Bosch mechanical fuel-injection system was inspected and tuned.

A very strong-running example, this first-year 300SL is of course eligible for entry into the finest and most prestigious classic rallies and touring events. As only the 49th example of these legendary cars built, this immensely capable, historic and unmolested 300SL is a rare and desirable find in today’s collector car marketplace. It would make for a wonderful event car and is a timeless design and engineering masterpiece.

To be auctioned on Friday, 21-Jan, 2011
Estimate: $450-550k

http://www.rmauctions.com/featurecar...rID=r213&fc=0#

Rick Kreiskott

PS Some of Aoki's changes are kinda kooky --- so I'm sure the Gullwing Guys will keep their distance --- but . . .

. . . If this thing actually sells for under $500k? . . . deal-of-the-century time, Citizen. These early first-year cars are even more special.

And speaking of special . . . you know that 'special' checkbook? . . . the one for your Home Equity line? . . . .

Dust it off.

Now.