Why is it so special?
Whereas a standard 300SL is actually quite common among seven-figure classic cars, the Aluminum Body Gullwing is one of the rarest production cars of all. It may look the same as a steel-bodied 300SL, but it’s in a different class when it comes to value.
Only 29 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Aluminum Body Gullwing where ever produced.
This is why the seller is asking 10,5 million euros for this unique car.
If you are interested in inspecting the car, please send me a Letter Of Intent, and a Proof of Capital, this may be blacked out (i.e. the bank statement). Stating the name of the buyer and his intention to buy the car in the LOI (as you know, this document is not binding in any legal matter or form and only has the function to prove your interest and set the stage for the purchase).
Send me the Letter Of Intent and the Proof of Capital to: tom@tomurbanek.com
THE SPORTS CAR OF THE CENTURY
Since the dawn of automobile production, a truly outstanding model has appeared periodically to startle and capture the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide. There is perhaps no better example of this truth than the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. What started as a streamlined design borrowing heavily from Porsche’s 1951 Le Mans Coupe quickly developed into one of the most distinctive and beautiful shapes ever rendered upon four wheels. The Gullwing’s stunning looks are matched only by its space-age engineering, incredible performance, and world-beating pedigree which earned its works-prepared variants convincing victories at many of the world’s premier sports car races between 1952 and 1956, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Carrera Panamericana, Mille Miglia, and Liège-Rome-Liège (as well as multiple SCCA and European Rally championships). The 300 SL Gullwing Coupe is, without doubt, the sports car of the century—an icon among all the post-war sports car designs which still captivate collectors today.
The rarified zenith of this model’s roadgoing development is the Leichtmetallausführung, or Light Metal Version—a brilliant example of which is offered here today. Commonly known as the “Alloy” Gullwing, it is unequivocally the ultimate production version of Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated creation.
The Alloy Gullwing’s extremely limited availability and special, competition-bred configuration is equaled by its historical significance within the pantheon of post-war sports car designs. The chance to acquire such a storied car is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most, and this important offering will surely engage all the world’s preeminent collectors who have yet to experience this exclusive model for themselves.
BRED FOR COMPETITION
All the most important race victories achieved by the 300 SL were, in fact, secured by one of these lightweight competition specimens of the model. Distinctive in many ways from their standard steel-bodied brethren, of which 1,371 examples were produced, these incredibly rare and historically significant Alloy coupes were purpose-built for competition.
The Alloy Gullwing was the brainchild of Mercedes-Benz Chief of Engineering Dr. Fritz Nallinger, who proposed a special 300 SL for retail to privateers at a board meeting in late February 1954. These coupes had their body panels and welded body shell rendered, uniquely, in aluminum. Excepting the windshield, all cabin windows were replicated in plexiglas. These changes resulted in an overall weight reduction of 209 pounds, thus making the Alloy Gullwing especially competitive against British and Italian sports cars such as the Aston-Martin DB3S, Maserati A6GCS, as well as Ferrari’s 750 Monza and 250 GT.
These special cars were also outfitted with race-bred features including the high-performance NSL engine which utilizes a competition camshaft, higher compression, unique butterfly throttle valve, and recalibrated fuel distributor to deliver in excess of 215 horsepower. Rudge center-mount wheels came standard, as did special vented front brake drums. Finally, the suspension was revised with exclusive springs and shocks which provided better high-speed handling. With both a significant decrease in overall weight and increase in responsiveness, the improved performance of these Alloy cars is instantly discernable from behind the wheel. Mercedes-Benz greenlit production for February 1955 at the added cost of 5,000 DM per unit; factory records show just 29 examples were made available to privateers (24 in 1955, 5 in 1956).
Only very few of the world’s most significant collections currently contain an example of this important, competition-bred model—largely owing to its extreme scarcity and remarkable usability. Secondary-market availability is further diminished by owners who seem to never part with these prized chassis.
These special gullwing models have been equipped with racing features, including the high-performance NSL engine with performance camshaft, higher compression, a unique throttle valve and a recalibrated fuel distributor. Good for more than 215 hp. Rudge wheels with central locking were standard, as were special ventilated brake drums at the front. Finally, the suspension was revised with special springs and shock absorbers that enabled better high-speed handling. By significantly reducing the overall weight and increasing responsiveness, the improved performance of these aluminum vehicles is immediately apparent behind the wheel. Mercedes-Benz gave the green light for production in February 1955 at a surcharge of DM 5,000 (approx. €2,500) per unit; factory records show that only 29 examples were made available for private drivers (24 in 1955, 5 in 1956).
Send me the Letter Of Intent and the Proof of Capital to: tom@tomurbanek.com