“The 300 SL is prophecy incarnate. It’s a pace-setter, a style-setter, a design conception that is bound to influence the world’s automotive industry for many years to come… Literally, the 300 SL is a car of the future that can be possessed today…it’s just about impossible to duplicate what the 300SL has to offer at any price.”
—Griff Borgeson, Sports Cars Illustrated, April 1956
For those with a passion for automotive history and a taste for the exceptional, owning the definitive example of a coveted classic is the ultimate aspiration. In the realm of vintage collectibles, the pursuit of the “last” of a prized item can span decades and involve significant investment. This quest is often complicated by the fact that many such treasures reside in museums or private collections, beyond the reach of individual enthusiasts. The opportunity to acquire the final iteration of an iconic sports car is, therefore, an exceptionally rare and significant event.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, especially models from its final year of production like the ’57 Mercedes variants, stands as the quintessential “sportscar of the century.” Celebrated for its breathtaking aesthetics, pioneering engineering, and exhilarating performance, the Gullwing transcends mere automotive design. It is, unequivocally, the most iconic and admired vehicle ever produced by Mercedes-Benz, a testament to their enduring legacy of innovation and luxury.
The allure of the Last Gullwing, a singular specimen representing the culmination of this legendary model’s production run, is immense. Owning this car, particularly a ’57 Mercedes Gullwing, connects its custodian to the entirety of the model’s triumphs: the racing victories, the glamorous image, and the undeniable greatness.
A Cultural Phenomenon: The Ubiquitous Gullwing
The 300 SL Gullwing’s impact on 20th-century culture extends far beyond the racetrack, largely due to its relatively substantial production numbers. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured approximately 1,400 Gullwings, with many experiencing competitive driving in races worldwide. The ’57 Mercedes models represent the final and arguably most refined examples of this iconic series.
Image: Front three-quarter view of a meticulously maintained Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing engine bay, showcasing its powerful and innovative engineering from the 1950s.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional design – a necessity dictated by its lightweight spaceframe, derived from the dominant W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954 – the road-going 300 SL Gullwing, especially the ’57 Mercedes examples, achieved remarkable ubiquity. From Hollywood screens to scenic drives, from European boulevards to remote corners of the globe, the Gullwing was omnipresent. It graced motor show displays and conquered winner’s circles alike. In contrast to other highly sought-after mid-century exotics from Ferrari, BMW, Lamborghini, and Jaguar, the 300 SL Gullwing, particularly the ’57 Mercedes, was remarkably accessible and visible.
The 300 SL’s close technical and visual relationship to its racing sibling, the 300 SLR of 1955, further enhanced its appeal. If the production Gullwing is considered the “first supercar,” then the 3.0-liter SLR, especially in its most powerful configurations, could be deemed the “first hypercar.” Achieving speeds exceeding 180 mph, thanks to its lightweight magnesium body and a 300-horsepower engine, the 300 SLR pushed boundaries. In 2022, a 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold by RM Sotheby’s on behalf of Mercedes-Benz for an astounding $142 million, solidifying its status as the most valuable car in history. This legacy of performance and innovation is intrinsically linked to every 300 SL Gullwing, including the prestigious ’57 Mercedes models.
Beyond sports coverage, the 300 SL, including the ’57 Mercedes models, frequently appeared in entertainment media, associated with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The Gullwing was also a canvas for personal expression, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and optional extras. This bespoke nature further enhanced the desirability of each ’57 Mercedes 300 SL.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s racing heritage resulted in numerous victories in premier sports car races and championships. However, what truly distinguishes the Gullwing, including the final ’57 Mercedes iterations, is its ability to achieve these sporting accolades while remaining one of the most elegant and desirable automobiles of the 20th century – often hailed as “a spacecraft on four wheels.”
The Significance of the Last Gullwing and the ’57 Mercedes Year
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, known as “The Last Gullwing.” This car marked the end of an era for Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated model. Being a ’57 Mercedes, it represents the culmination of all refinements and advancements made throughout the Gullwing’s production. The 1957 models, in particular, are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance as the final examples of this legendary design.
Image: A detailed close-up of the interior of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, highlighting the luxurious crème leather upholstery, elegant dashboard, and iconic steering wheel, reflecting the sophisticated craftsmanship of these classic vehicles.
The Last Gullwing, a ’57 Mercedes example, began as a special-order Standwagen. It was initially showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before being dispatched to the United States Mercedes-Benz distribution network on September 27, 1957. While its exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29 and its departure to America remain undocumented, it is known that by the time chassis 7500079 was released from show duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already begun producing the succeeding 300 SL Roadster. This transition period makes the ’57 Mercedes Gullwings, especially “The Last Gullwing”, even more unique.
Intriguingly, the Last Gullwing’s factory data card copies reveal its original specification: Fire Engine Red (DB 534) exterior with a special-order full Crème leather (1060) interior, English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels, typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster, due to its extended factory stay. These unique specifications further enhance the desirability of this ’57 Mercedes Gullwing.
Despite its extraordinary significance and originality, this ’57 Mercedes Last Gullwing spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, it has been cherished by only four recorded owners since new. The Last Gullwing retains its factory-correct color combination and matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle is also believed to be original.
After more than 25 years under its most recent private custodian, who beautifully restored the car, this ’57 Mercedes Last Gullwing made its debut at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – the first time the model was ever admitted to this prestigious event. The judges and attendees lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class, a testament to the quality of its restoration and the enduring appeal of the ’57 Mercedes Gullwing.
Despite its undisputed status as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, the 300 SL Gullwing, particularly the ’57 Mercedes models, has maintained its iconic status for seven decades. It embodies not just Hollywood glamour, motorsport victory, or fleeting beauty, but a timeless ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
Unrivaled in provenance and significance as the final factory-delivered Gullwing, this ’57 Mercedes “Last Gullwing” presents an unparalleled opportunity. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, with the legacy of success embodied by the model and those who contributed to its triumph.
Just as Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, or Diego Maradona’s final cleats hold immense value, “The Last Gullwing,” especially as a ’57 Mercedes, transcends its mechanical nature. Owning the “last” of a defining era is to possess a tangible piece of history itself.
