To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Munich event, 23 November 2024.

• Presented in its factory colour configuration of Silver Grey Metallic over optional Red hide
• Matching-numbers example featuring its original chassis, body, engine, and gearbox
• Equipped with a set of highly desirable Rudge knock-off wheels dated to 1955
• Delivered to New York via Max Hoffman; acquired by the consigning owner and imported to Germany in 1986
• Accompanied by a copy of the original data card, tool roll, spare wheel, and jack

Mercedes-Benz had its sights set on a return to the Grand Prix scene following World War II. Yet the Silver Arrows, led by manager Alfred Neubauer, would not be ready for the Formula 1 grid until 1954. As such, it was via sportscar racing that the marque dipped its toe back into motorsport. The car for the job was the W194, designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut. A new lattice chassis made up of thin, welded steel tubing helped the lightweight challenger earn 2nd and 4th on its competitive debut in the 1952 Mille Miglia. Then came an astonishing 1-2 finish at Le Mans, the Nürburgring, in the Carrera Panamericana, plus a podium clean sweep at Bern.

As the trophies flooded in, Mercedes-Benz’s official New York importer, Max Hoffman, spotted a gap in the North American automotive market. He lobbied the manufacturer to build a road-going counterpart to the W194, which resulted in the 300 SL Gullwing. Fitted with a 2,996-cc, overhead camshaft straight-six fed by mechanical Bosch fuel injection, it sent 215 PS to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. Capable of a 263 km/h top speed, the Gullwing is considered by many to be the first modern supercar.

Production ran between August 1954 and 1957. The example offered here was completed on 8 March 1955, according to a copy of the factory build sheet. The exterior was finished in the signature 300 SL shade of Silver Grey Metallic while special-order Red leather was specified for the cabin. This car, chassis 5500127, gained further options including a Becker radio and a set of knock-off Rudge wheels. Four days later, rather fittingly, it was shipped to Hoffman’s own Mercedes-Benz Distributors of New York.

Chassis 5500127 resided in neighbouring Massachusetts, where it was owned by Mr Peter Turchon Jr of Sherborn, per Eric Le Moine’s 300 SL registry. Subsequently, the Gullwing joined The Aumann Collection in 1992. Based in Babenhausen, the consignor returned the coupé to its home country and registered it in September of that year.

Offered in the factory colour combination, this car notably retains its matching-numbers chassis, body, and engine, gearbox, kingpins, and rear axle. It also still wears highly sought-after Rudge wheels, which are numbered for 1955.

A genuine racer-turned-road car, the 300 SL Gullwing boasts a compelling backstory. This highly original example is ready to add to its own history by being enjoyed on tours and rallies by its next custodian.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mu24/.