Following Mercedes-Benz’s triumphant victories with the W194 in prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, a desire arose to create a more domesticated version for discerning customers. Recognizing the United States as a crucial market, and spurred by the insistence of New York importer Max Hoffman, the W198, swiftly christened the 300 SL and informally known as the “Gullwing,” made its grand debut at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York. Remarkably, the 300 SL marked the first time a Mercedes-Benz was unveiled to the world stage before its own home country.
Just a year into its production run, Dr. Fritz Nallinger, Mercedes-Benz’s chief engineer, proposed a special, competition-focused variant of the W198. This “competition” model was aimed at privateers and amateur racers eager to push their 300 SLs to their performance limits. In February 1954, Dr. Nallinger successfully persuaded the board of directors to greenlight this special-order model, subtly marketed as Leichtmetallausführung—the Light Metal Version. However, the “Alloy” Gullwing was far more than skin deep; it was a fully realized competition machine. It boasted not only a lightweight alloy body but also the more potent NSL engine, a sports-tuned suspension, a shorter 4.11:1 rear axle ratio, lighter Rudge knock-off wheels, and even Plexiglas for the rear window and side screens. All these upgrades came at a significant premium, adding $1,307 to the base price of a standard 300 SL.
The considerable cost, coupled with stiff competition from established racing marques like Ferrari, curtailed the Alloy Gullwing’s production to a mere 12 months, resulting in only 29 examples ever being manufactured.
The Schwarz Siren: The Chinetti 1956 Mercedes-Benz Alloy Gullwing
Completed on January 12, 1956, chassis number 198.043.5500872 holds a unique place within the already exclusive lineage of the Alloy Gullwing. It was the 26th alloy-bodied Gullwing to emerge from the Untertürkheim production line, and notably, the very first completed in 1956. Furthermore, this particular Mercedes-Benz 1956 Alloy Gullwing stands alone as the only one finished in Schwarz (DB 40), or black, a striking contrast to its sumptuous Red leather (1079) interior. Its accompanying data card meticulously documents the Leichtmetallausführung enhancements – the alloy body, NSL engine, sports suspension, Rudge wheels, and more. It also lists additional features such as a windshield washer system, special-order paint (including an extra kilogram for touch-ups), and a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio.
On January 16th, the completed car left the factory, destined for the Milan agent Saporiti. From there, it was reportedly delivered to none other than Luigi Chinetti, a legendary figure who had conquered the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a driver and later became Ferrari’s North American importer and the founder of the renowned North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.). It is widely believed that Chinetti commissioned this 1956 Mercedes Benz Alloy Gullwing to directly compare Mercedes-Benz’s offering against his own Ferrari stable.
The Gullwing in Repose: Never Publicly Displayed Until Now
Rudi Klein’s encounter with Luigi Chinetti at the 1976 Daytona 500 led to the purchase of this Alloy Gullwing for $30,000. A $3,000 deposit was placed with one of Chinetti’s employees at the race itself. An invoice from Luigi Chinetti Motors, dated August 30, 1976, confirms the final payment before delivery on September 11th. However, correspondence from Hagwood Trucking indicates the car wasn’t actually picked up from Chinetti until early March 1977. Photographs from Rudi Klein’s archive show the Gullwing upon acquisition – silver in color (likely a repaint over the original black) with its original red leather interior. In a letter, Rudi noted the car was “sound [with] no damage. Equipment on car includes radio, spare, etc. and knock-offs.” Another photograph captures the car’s arrival at Porche Foreign Auto.
Despite being a prized possession within Rudi Klein’s collection of significant vehicles, his sons believe this Alloy Gullwing was unique in that he never drove or exhibited it. Upon arrival from Chinetti, it was carefully stored within the central building of his junkyard and remained there, hidden from public view, until its upcoming display at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2024. Over the decades, some parts were unfortunately sold off – the front bumpers, shift knob, tool kit, jack, and spare wheel among them, a common practice for Rudi. Yet, with 73,387 kilometers (~45,600 miles) recorded at the time of cataloging, the car remains remarkably original, retaining its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box, and front spindles, all verified against the data card. Even its four road wheels bear matching date codes, and the factory alloy bodywork still displays the body number “26” on both doors, the dashboard edge, and the interior roof panel. It is exceptionally rare for competition cars, often raced and frequently damaged, to have survived in such well-preserved and genuine condition.
The only readily apparent damage is a dent in the rear – a testament to an incident in 1981 when Rudi reportedly backed into the Gullwing with a forklift.
While not entirely “lost” – the car was listed in 300 SL rosters and registers under Rudi Klein’s ownership – chassis number 198.043.5500872, like many vehicles in his famed collection, has been inaccessible to the world. It may very well be the most secretive vehicle within a collection known for its reclusiveness, remaining within the confines of Porche Foreign Auto – and largely within a single building – for nearly half a century. Now, this final unrestored “Alloy” Gullwing, formerly owned by Luigi Chinetti, the sole example delivered in black, and a car with an undeniably unique history, is unveiled.
Just be mindful of that forklift dent; it’s part of its story.
