“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 often transcends mere ownership; it becomes a quest for the exceptional, the rare, the ultimate. To possess “the last” of a celebrated series is to capture a unique piece of history, an artifact that stands alone in its singularity. In the realm of iconic sportscars, few models command as much reverence and desire as the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. More than just a car, the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing is a symbol of automotive excellence, a breathtaking fusion of groundbreaking engineering, stunning aesthetics, and exhilarating performance that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Its enduring legacy cements its status as not only a masterpiece of Mercedes-Benz, but a true legend in automotive history.
The Unfolding Legacy of the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing
The Mercedes-Benz Gullwing’s impact reverberated far beyond the racetrack, embedding itself deeply within the cultural consciousness of the 20th century. Produced between 1954 and 1957, with 1,400 examples gracing roads and circuits globally, the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing achieved a level of ubiquity rarely seen with vehicles of such caliber and exclusivity. This wasn’t just a car confined to private collections; the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing was a phenomenon, visible across diverse landscapes, from the silver screen glamour of Hollywood to the competitive circuits of international motorsport.
The distinctive “gullwing” doors, an audacious design necessitated by its innovative spaceframe chassis—a direct descendant of the victorious W194 and W196 racing sportscars—immediately set the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing apart. While contemporaries like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa or Jaguar XKSS remained relatively scarce and exclusive, the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing enjoyed a remarkable visibility, becoming a symbol of success and sophistication.
Furthermore, the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing maintained a striking resemblance, both technically and aesthetically, to its racing sibling, the formidable 300 SLR. Often hailed as the “first supercar,” the road-going Mercedes-Benz Gullwing found its even more potent counterpart in the 300 SLR, dubbed by some as the “first hypercar”. The 300 SLR, boasting an ultra-lightweight magnesium body and a 300-horsepower engine, achieved unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. This racing pedigree was underscored in 2022 when a 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold by RM Sotheby’s on behalf of Mercedes-Benz for an astounding $142 million, solidifying its position as the most valuable car ever sold.
Beyond its sporting achievements, the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing became synonymous with glamour and prestige. It graced magazine covers, not just in automotive publications but also in entertainment and lifestyle media, becoming the favored vehicle of socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The Mercedes-Benz Gullwing offered a canvas for personal expression, allowing owners to customize their vehicles with a spectrum of color combinations and a host of factory options, further enhancing its desirability and exclusivity.
The technologically advanced engineering of the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing translated into remarkable success on the world stage of motorsport. Victories at prestigious races and numerous championships underscored its performance capabilities. Yet, what truly distinguished the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing was its ability to achieve such racing accolades while simultaneously embodying elegance, sophistication, and desirability. It was, and remains, a machine frequently described as “a spacecraft on four wheels,” a testament to its futuristic design and groundbreaking technology.
“The Last Gullwing”: A Pinnacle of Automotive Collectibility
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079, “The Last Gullwing”—a definitive end to the production of their most celebrated model. This singular vehicle carries exceptional significance, marking the culmination of the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing story and inheriting all the prestige and legacy associated with this iconic model.
“The Last Gullwing” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Following its exhibition in Poland, it was integrated into the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States on September 27, 1957. While details of any further appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion in June and its American dispatch remain undocumented, by the time “The Last Gullwing” concluded its promotional duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory documentation reveals “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a bespoke Crème leather interior (1060), English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, reflecting its extended factory presence, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its unparalleled historical importance and inherent uniqueness, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, it has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by a select lineage of just four recorded owners. Remarkably, “The Last Gullwing” retains its original factory-correct color combination and matching-numbers for its chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, numbered 7500024, is also believed to be original, further substantiating its authenticity.
After over 25 years under the stewardship of its most recent private owner, “The Last Gullwing” emerges, beautifully restored through years of dedicated effort. Its meticulously executed restoration earned it an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—a landmark moment as it marked the first time the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing model was permitted entry to this ultra-exclusive event. At Pebble Beach, “The Last Gullwing” captivated judges and attendees alike, securing 3rd in Class, a resounding testament to the quality and fidelity of its restoration.
The Mercedes-Benz Gullwing, even as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, has maintained an unwavering allure for seven decades. Its enduring appeal transcends fleeting trends; it embodies not just the allure of Hollywood glamour, the thrill of motorsport victory, or transient beauty, but a timeless ideal: the pursuit of perfection.
“The Last Gullwing,” unparalleled in provenance and historical significance as the final Mercedes-Benz Gullwing produced, offers an acquisition opportunity that surpasses mere ownership. To be associated with “The Last Gullwing” is to be linked to the greatness of the model itself and all those who contributed to its legendary status. Like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent form of collecting—possessing the “last” of an era-defining icon, a tangible piece of history itself.
