“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
Owning the definitive “last” of any coveted collectible is an unparalleled distinction. It’s a unique position held by those who, through various means—be it chance, persistence, privilege, or sheer luck—acquire something utterly singular. In the realm of niche vintage collectibles, the quest to secure the ultimate example can span decades and involve vast sums, assuming such an item is even accessible to private individuals and not enshrined in a museum or corporate collection. The reality is, many final examples of the world’s most desirable collectibles are permanently out of reach, making the opportunity to own the last of something, particularly an iconic sports car like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, a truly exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime prospect.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, celebrated as the “sportscar of the century,” continues to command admiration for its breathtaking aesthetics, pioneering engineering, and exhilarating performance. It unequivocally stands as the most significant and universally acclaimed automobile in the storied history of the Mercedes-Benz marque. The allure of owning a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, especially a historically significant example, is undeniable for discerning collectors worldwide.
The Birth of a Legend: Racing Pedigree and Innovation
The 300 SL Gullwing’s profound impact on 20th-century culture extends far beyond motorsports, largely due to its relatively substantial production numbers. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz produced 1,400 Gullwings, with many seeing competitive action on racetracks globally.
Instantly recognizable due to its striking and unconventional design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe construction—a direct descendant of 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 in films, gracing scenic drives from Mulholland Drive to the Champs-Élysées, venturing as far as the Arctic Circle, and transitioning seamlessly from pristine motor show displays to the winner’s circles of prestigious races. In contrast to most highly collectible mid-century exotics like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa or Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing was remarkably prevalent.
This widespread recognition was further enhanced by its close technical and visual kinship with its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955. While the production Gullwing is often dubbed the “first supercar,” its 3.0-liter SLR counterpart, with its ultra-lightweight magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine, has been hailed as the “first hypercar,” achieving unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for an astounding $142 million on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, establishing it as the most valuable car in history and further cementing the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL lineage’s prestige.
Design and Cultural Ubiquity: A Star is Born
Beyond its racing achievements, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL frequently graced the entertainment pages, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie icons, and royalty. The 300 SL was a statement of individuality and taste; owners could customize their Gullwings with a vast array of color combinations and factory options.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s unparalleled engineering and racing success earned it countless victories in premier sports car races and amateur championships. Yet, what truly distinguishes the Gullwing is its ability to achieve such sporting accolades while simultaneously embodying elegance, sophistication, and desirability—often described as “a spacecraft on four wheels.” This blend of performance and style solidified the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL’s place in automotive history.
“The Last Gullwing”: A Collector’s Pinnacle
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the final chapter of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic model. Its legendary status has remained unchallenged and unsurpassed.
“The Last Gullwing” began as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Subsequently, on September 27, 1957, it joined the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States. While further 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 7500079 was released from its show duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of the successor 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies reveal “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with special-order Crème leather (1060) interior, English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory presence, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically fitted to the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite a relatively low profile in its early American years, this exceptionally significant and uniquely original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by only four recorded owners from 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 over 25 years under the care of its most recent private owner, “The Last Gullwing,” meticulously restored, debuted at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—a historic first for the model at this prestigious event. It was lauded by judges and attendees, earning 3rd in Class, a testament to the exceptional quality of its restoration.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, despite its undisputed status as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, has maintained its allure for over seven decades. It represents not just Hollywood glamour, motorsport triumph, or fleeting beauty, but an enduring ideal of automotive excellence.
Owning “The Last Gullwing” transcends mere ownership. To be associated with this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is to be linked to its greatness and the collective achievements of the model and those who contributed to its legendary status. Like iconic “last” items in history, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent collectible ideal: possessing the ultimate example of an era-defining icon is holding a tangible piece of history.
