“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, owning the “last” of a celebrated model represents more than just possession; it’s about claiming a unique piece of history. In the realm of highly sought-after collectibles, the quest to secure the final example can span decades, demanding significant resources and unwavering dedication. This pursuit is often complicated by the fact that many ultimate examples reside in museums or private collections, seemingly beyond reach.
The opportunity to acquire the last of an iconic sports car model is exceptionally rare, a once-in-a-lifetime prospect. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, often hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” stands as a testament to groundbreaking design, advanced engineering, and exhilarating performance. Its captivating aesthetics and pioneering features have solidified its place as the most significant and universally admired automobile in Mercedes-Benz’s prestigious history.
The Last Gullwing, the subject of our focus, is a truly exceptional specimen. Its symbolic significance elevates it beyond mere machinery, connecting this particular car—and its future owner—to the triumphs, prestige, and sheer brilliance embodied by the entire Gullwing lineage.
A Cultural Icon: The Gullwing’s Enduring Impact
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s influence extends far beyond the world of motorsport, permeating 20th-century culture thanks to its relatively substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 Gullwings, with a significant number experiencing the rigors of racetracks worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional design—a direct result of its lightweight spaceframe chassis derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. It graced the silver screen, cruised down Mulholland Drive, turned heads on the Champs-Élysées, and ventured into the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show displays to the winner’s circle, the Gullwing was omnipresent. Unlike many contemporary exotic collectibles such as the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing distinguished itself through its widespread presence and appeal.
The 300 SL Gullwing’s close technical and visual kinship with its racing counterpart, the 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955, further amplified its allure. While the production Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” its 3.0-liter SLR sibling could justifiably be called the “first hypercar.” The 300 SLR, boasting an ultra-lightweight magnesium body and a 300-horsepower engine, effortlessly surpassed speeds of 180 mph. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for an astounding $142 million, establishing it as the most valuable car in history. This connection to racing pedigree significantly boosted the Gullwing’s desirability and status.
Beyond its sporting achievements, the 300 SL Gullwing frequently appeared in entertainment media, associated with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The Gullwing also served as a canvas for personal expression, allowing owners to customize their vehicles with a wide range of color combinations and factory options.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s racing heritage translated into countless victories in prestigious sports car races and amateur championships. Yet, remarkably, the Gullwing achieved these motorsport accolades while simultaneously becoming celebrated as one of the most elegant and desirable automobiles of the 20th century—a vehicle frequently described as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” This duality of performance and elegance is a key part of the Gullwing Mercedes Benz’s enduring appeal.
The Last Gullwing: A Unique Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079, effectively marking the end of an era for their most iconic model. This car, “The Last Gullwing,” represents the ultimate bookend to the legendary 300 SL Gullwing production. Its fame and desirability have remained undiminished for over seven decades.
This particular car began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. On September 27, 1957, it was integrated into the Mercedes-Benz US distribution network. While further exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29 and its American dispatch remain undocumented, it is known that by the time 7500079 was released from show duties, Mercedes-Benz had already commenced production of the succeeding 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies reveal that The Last Gullwing was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a special-order full Crème leather interior (1060). It also featured English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory stay, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels, typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its extraordinary significance, The Last Gullwing spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, this remarkably original and uniquely important car has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners from new. It retains its factory-correct color combination and matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. The rear axle, numbered 7500024, is also believed to be original, although data card copies list it as simply “324.”
After more than 25 years under the care of its most recent private custodian, The Last Gullwing underwent a meticulous restoration. This dedication to preserving its originality led to an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the Gullwing model’s inaugural entry into this highly selective event. Judges and attendees alike lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a remarkable debut and a testament to the exceptional quality of its restoration.
Even as Mercedes-Benz has produced countless celebrated models, the 300 SL Gullwing remains their most iconic and enduring creation. Its sustained prominence over seven decades stems not just from its Hollywood glamour, racing victories, or captivating beauty, but from embodying a timeless ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
The Last Gullwing, unparalleled in provenance and historical importance as the final example of the celebrated super-leicht, presents an ownership opportunity that transcends the purely material. To be seen in this Gullwing is to be associated with the model’s inherent greatness and the collective achievements of those who contributed to its legendary status.
Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, Diego Maradona’s final cleats, or Picasso’s final masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent ideal of collecting. To possess the “last” of an era-defining icon is to hold a tangible piece of history itself.
