“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 collectors of vintage automobiles, the pursuit of “the last” of a celebrated model represents the ultimate prize. To possess the final iteration of a truly iconic object, especially a legendary sports car, is to hold something uniquely significant – a tangible link to history that no one else can claim. While many coveted collectibles reside in museums or private vaults, inaccessible to most, the opportunity to own a final example of automotive artistry is exceptionally rare.
Among the pantheon of automotive icons, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing stands as a towering figure. Lauded as the “sportscar of the century,” it continues to mesmerize enthusiasts with its breathtaking design, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance. Within the distinguished history of Mercedes-Benz, the 300 SL Gullwing unequivocally holds its place as the most iconic and universally admired vehicle ever produced.
The allure of “The Last Gullwing” is profound. It’s not merely a car; it’s a symbol, encapsulating the triumphs, the glamour, and the sheer brilliance of this unparalleled model. Owning it connects you to the very essence of automotive greatness.
A Cultural Phenomenon: The 300 SL Gullwing’s Enduring Impact
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing transcended the realm of motorsport to become a cultural phenomenon of the 20th century. Its broad appeal stemmed partly from its relatively substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured 1,400 Gullwings, with a significant number seeing competitive action on racetracks worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional gullwing doors – a design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis, inherited from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954 – the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. It permeated popular culture, appearing on the silver screen, cruising along Mulholland Drive, gracing the Champs-Élysées, and venturing as far as the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show displays to the victorious grime of the winner’s circle, the Gullwing was omnipresent. In stark contrast to other highly collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing stood out for its widespread visibility.
This widespread recognition was further amplified by its close technical and aesthetic relationship to its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR sports racer of 1955. If the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” then the 3.0-liter SLR variant could be rightfully dubbed the “first hypercar.” Thanks to its ultra-lightweight magnesium bodywork and a potent 300-horsepower engine, the 300 SLR achieved unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. In a landmark event in 2022, RM Sotheby’s facilitated the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for an astounding $142 million, solidifying its status as the most valuable car in automotive history.
Beyond the sports pages, the 300 SL Gullwing frequently graced the entertainment sections of publications. This “super-leicht” (super-light) car became synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The 300 SL was also a canvas for personal expression, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and factory options to create a truly bespoke vehicle.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s racing pedigree translated into countless victories at prestigious international sports car races, in addition to numerous amateur rally, road, and endurance racing championships. Remarkably, the Gullwing achieved these motorsport accolades while simultaneously establishing itself as one of the most elegant, stylish, and desirable automobiles of the 20th century – a machine often hailed as “a spacecraft on four wheels.”
The Last of its Kind: “The Last Gullwing”
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079. This marked the end of an era, the final chapter in the production of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic model – a car whose legendary status remains unchallenged. This is “The Last Gullwing”.
“The Last Gullwing,” with chassis number 7500079, began its journey as a special-order Standwagen (exhibition car). It made its debut at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair, representing Mercedes-Benz before being integrated into the US distribution network on September 27, 1957. While further appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its American dispatch are undocumented, it is known that by the time 7500079 concluded its exhibition duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies accompanying “The Last Gullwing” reveal its original specification: Fire Engine Red (DB 534) exterior, a special-order full Crème leather (1060) interior, English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory stay, the wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its profound significance and inherent uniqueness, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, this exceptional automobile has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by a select lineage of only four recorded owners from new. “The Last Gullwing” still proudly displays its factory-correct color combination and retains its original, numbers-matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, numbered 7500024, is also believed to be original, although factory records list it as simply “324.”
After more than 25 years under the stewardship of its most recent private custodian, “The Last Gullwing” was offered for sale. Painstakingly restored by its owner over several years, the car was invited to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the first time the 300 SL Gullwing model had been accepted into this ultra-competitive and exclusive event. The judges and attendees were captivated by chassis 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class – a remarkable debut and a testament to the exceptional quality of its restoration.
Even after seven decades, the iconic 300 SL Gullwing continues to command global attention. It embodies more than just Hollywood glamour, motorsport glory, or fleeting aesthetic appeal. It represents an enduring ideal: the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“The Last Gullwing,” unparalleled in provenance and significance as the final production example of the celebrated “super-leicht,” offers an ownership opportunity that transcends mere possession. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with greatness, with the legacy of a model and the individuals who propelled it to legendary status.
Similar to owning Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, Diego Maradona’s final cleats, or Picasso’s last masterpiece, possessing “The Last Gullwing” elevates collecting to an entirely new dimension. It’s about holding a tangible piece of history, the ultimate representation of an era defined by automotive innovation and iconic design.
