Three-owner 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL to be auctioned for charity

Some sources regard the mid-1950s Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" as the first supercar. When it was introduced in 1954, it was certainly unlike anything else, and the 212-horsepower direct injection straight six made it the fastest production car of its day. With a rich motorsport history and the still amazing gullwing doors, the 300SL holds a special place among classic Mercedes-Benz coupes.

Next month, RM Auctions is offering a bright red 300SL at its Fort Lauderdale auction. The fifth from last Gullwing ever produced has had only three owners, it last changed ownership in 1967, and it was put up for display at the ACD Automobile Museum some 40 years ago. While there's certainly some patina, the car is mostly unrestored and retains much of its original paint, and no miles have been added to its 36,375 mile odometer reading after 1968. The dashboard still has the factory correct Becker radio, too.

Another noteworthy thing is that all proceeds from the sale will go to the YMCA of Jackson, Michigan, funding the construction of a new building. The "Gullwing" has been estimated at over $1 million.

Regarding the interior patina, the 300SL's seats have been re-done decades ago with the original optional leather, reportedly now unobtainable. They are not torn, but the black color has all but vanished. While black leather is what this car is supposed to have, any 300SL restorer now has the chance to re-do their chequered stock cloth seats with correct material from the original supplier. Mercedes-Benz  Classic is bringing back the three different material options, the blue-grey, the red-green and the green-beige gabardine cloth, and they all will be available to be ordered from any Mercedes-Benz dealer. Most 300SLs have the blue-grey cloth seats, and leather used to be an option costing 600 Deutschmarks.