Following Mercedes-Benz’s remarkable motorsport successes with the W194, including triumphs at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, the German automaker aimed to create a road-going version for discerning customers. Acknowledging the significance of the American market, and with the insistence of New York importer Max Hoffman, the W198, soon to be celebrated as the 300 SL and nicknamed the “Gullwing,” made its grand entrance at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York. Interestingly, the 300 SL marked a historic moment as the first Mercedes-Benz model to debut internationally before its domestic unveiling.
Driven by the desire to cater to privateer racers and amateur enthusiasts who were already pushing their 300 SLs to their performance limits, Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Dr. Fritz Nallinger proposed a special “competition” variant just a year into the production run. In February 1954, Dr. Nallinger successfully persuaded the board to greenlight this special-order model, subtly marketed as Leichtmetallausführung—or Light Metal Version. However, the “Alloy” Gullwing was far more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it was a fully fledged competition machine. It boasted a lightweight body, the more potent NSL engine, sport-tuned suspension, a 4.11:1 rear axle, lighter Rudge knock-off wheels, and even Plexiglas for the rear window and side screens. This comprehensive upgrade commanded a substantial premium of $1,307 over the standard 300 SL.
The high cost, coupled with fierce competition from established racing marques like Ferrari, limited the Alloy Gullwing’s production to a mere 12 months, with only 29 examples ever produced. This exclusivity firmly cemented its legendary status among automotive connoisseurs.
Light Metal in Schwarz: The Chinetti ‘Alloy’ – A Unique 1956 Mercedes
Chassis number 198.043.5500872, completed on January 12, 1956, holds a special place in the Alloy Gullwing lineage. It was the 26th alloy-bodied Gullwing to emerge from the Untertürkheim factory and the very first completed in 1956. Remarkably, this particular car is the only one of these ultra-rare vehicles finished in Schwarz (DB 40), or black, creating a striking contrast with its Red leather (1079) interior. Its data card meticulously lists the Leichtmetallausführung enhancements – the alloy body, NSL engine, sports suspension, Rudge wheels, and more – alongside special-order features such as a windshield washer system, special paint (with an extra kilogram for touch-ups), and a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio.
Just four days later, on January 16th, this exceptional car left the factory, destined for Milanese agent Saporiti. From there, it was reportedly delivered to none other than Luigi Chinetti, a legendary figure in motorsport. Chinetti had achieved fame as a winning Le Mans driver before becoming Ferrari’s North American importer and the founder of the renowned North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.). It is believed that Chinetti acquired this Alloy Gullwing to evaluate Mercedes-Benz’s offering against the Ferraris he was then representing. This connection to Chinetti further elevates the historical significance of this 1956 Mercedes.
Never Shown, Now Revealed: The Story of a Hidden 1956 Mercedes Gem
Rudi Klein’s acquisition of this Alloy Gullwing began with a meeting with Luigi Chinetti at the 1976 Daytona 500. A deal was struck for $30,000, and a $3,000 deposit was placed. An invoice from Luigi Chinetti Motors, dated August 30, 1976, documents the final payment before the scheduled delivery on September 11th. However, correspondence from Hagwood Trucking indicates the car wasn’t actually collected from Chinetti until early March 1977. Photographs from that time show the Gullwing in silver, retaining its original red leather interior. In a letter, Rudi Klein noted the car was “sound [with] no damage” and included features like a radio and knock-off wheels. Another photograph captures its arrival at Porche Foreign Auto.
Interestingly, despite owning a collection of significant vehicles, the Klein sons recall that this Alloy Gullwing was unique in that their father never drove or exhibited it. Upon arrival from Chinetti, it was placed inside the main building of his junkyard and remained there, unseen by the public, until its recent unveiling at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2024. Over the decades, some parts were removed – front bumpers, shift knob, tool kit, jack, and spare wheel. Yet, with 73,387 kilometers (~45,600 miles) recorded at the time of cataloging, the car remains remarkably original. It retains its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box, and front spindles, all verified by the data card. The four road wheels also bear matching date codes, and the factory alloy bodywork is intact, with body number “26” markings present on the doors, dashboard edge, and interior roof panel. Few competition cars from this era, often raced and damaged, have survived in such pristine and original condition. This 1956 Mercedes is an exceptional survivor.
The only readily apparent damage is a dent in the rear, a result of an incident in 1981 when Rudi Klein reportedly backed into the Gullwing with a forklift.
While not truly “lost” as it was listed in 300 SL registers under Rudi Klein’s ownership, chassis number 198.043.5500872 remained inaccessible to the world, hidden within the confines of Porche Foreign Auto for nearly 50 years. It may well be the most secretive vehicle within a collection known for its obscurity. Now, it emerges as the last unrestored “Alloy” Gullwing, once owned by Luigi Chinetti, and uniquely finished in black – a 1956 Mercedes with an unparalleled history. Just be mindful of that forklift story.
