1954' Mercedes-Benz 300

Stunning 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing: Early Production Gullwing with an Amazing History

There is perhaps no sports car more widely admired than the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, and surely none more iconic. The 300 SL, inspired by the legendary 300 SLR sports racing car, represented a level of engineering and performance unrivaled by any other standard production car of the time. Debuting in 1954, the original 300 SL, with its fuel-injected inline six-cylinder engine, exotic gullwing doors, and genuine 150 mph top speed, brought race car performance to the motoring public. Even more impressive was the fact that it was a civilized road car – comfortable, elegant, and reliable. The 300 SL Gullwing proved to be extremely popular with sports car enthusiasts and, between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz built 1,400 examples.

The beautiful 300 SL offered here is one of the earliest examples built. According to the Gull Wing Group registry, this car was built to special order and completed on October 15, 1954. When new it was finished in the rare shade of Weissgrau (DB 158) - a very attractive white gray color - with red leather interior.

This car was delivered to the United States and was first owned by William Scace, a manufacturing executive from Chicago. During his ownership, Mr. Scace raced this Gullwing and his Porsche 356 Carrera Cabriolet at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Later in the 1950s, he raced a 300 SL Roadster and Corvette at Bonneville and in 1968 set a National B speed record.

Early in its history, possibly in the hands of its first owner, this car's original engine was replaced with number 5500490, which came from another Gullwing, chassis 5500122. During the late 1950s and 1960s, the 300 SL remained in Illinois and was later owned by the famous car collector Carl De Bickero, who owned many vintage Ferraris, as well as several 300 SLs, Rolls-Royce, and a BMW 507. Later, the car was sold to Ann Horwich of Los Angeles and remained in Southern California for a number of years.

In the 1990s, Harold Stevens of Salt Lake City, Utah purchased the Gullwing and its next owner Jack Plumb undertook a complete, ground-up restoration. This included refinishing the 300 SL in its original, elegant Weissgrau color, although blue rather than red leather was selected for the interior upholstery.

The Gullwing has been kept in a private collection since it was restored and recently had a service performed to make sure that it runs and drives as good as it looks. The car presents beautifully throughout, with excellent paint, chrome, and glass, a well finished cockpit, and a very tidy, nicely detailed engine bay and undercarriage. All of the proper data tags and stampings are present, and the car is offered with an owner's manual, spare parts list, workshop manual, and tool kit. This is a fantastic 300 SL that needs only a new owner to be enjoyed in concours d'elegance and exclusive pre-1957 rallies like the California Mille.

Here is an extremely rare and exciting opportunity to own one of the 167 Gullwings built during the first year of production - a wonderful example in a desirable original color, with a remarkable Bonneville connection, documented history, and a high quality restoration.

Chassis Number: 198.040.4500040
Engine Number: 198.980.5500490
Body Number: 198.040.4500039
Early production Gullwing (1 of 167 build during the first year of production) 
Fascinating history
Rare and desirable original color Weissgrau (DB 158) - very attractive white gray 
Offered with books and tools 
Mechanically excellent 
A stunning 300SL Gullwing with a high quality restoration Price: $1,095,000 Firm