Following Mercedes-Benz’s resounding success in motorsports with the W194 at iconic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, there was a palpable demand for a road-going version. Recognizing the burgeoning American market and fueled by the insistence of New York importer Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz conceived the W198. This model, quickly christened the 300 SL and affectionately nicknamed the “Gullwing” for its distinctive doors, made its grand debut at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York. Remarkably, this marked the first time a Mercedes-Benz was unveiled to the world outside its home country, underscoring the importance of the US market for the Sl300 Benz.
Alt text: Side view of a gleaming silver 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, showcasing its iconic gullwing doors and sleek lines, a classic example of the SL300 Benz heritage.
Just a year into the production of the standard 300 SL, Dr. Fritz Nallinger, Mercedes-Benz’s chief engineer, proposed an even more exclusive and performance-oriented variant. His vision was a “competition” version of the W198, specifically targeted at privateer and amateur racers who were already pushing their SL300 Benz Gullwings to their limits on the track. In February 1954, Dr. Nallinger successfully persuaded the board to greenlight this special-order model. It was subtly marketed as Leichtmetallausführung – the Light Metal Version, or simply, the “Alloy” Gullwing. However, this was far more than just a cosmetic upgrade. The Alloy Gullwing was a full-fledged competition machine. It boasted a lightweight body crafted from aluminum alloy, the more potent NSL engine, a sport-tuned suspension, a 4.11:1 rear axle for enhanced acceleration, lighter Rudge knock-off wheels, and even Plexiglas for the rear window and side screens to further reduce weight. These significant enhancements commanded a substantial premium, adding $1,307 to the base price of a standard SL300 Benz.
Alt text: Detailed view of the powerful NSL engine inside a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, highlighting the performance enhancements of this special SL300 Benz model.
The high cost, coupled with stiff competition from established racing marques like Ferrari, ultimately limited the Alloy Gullwing’s production run to a mere 12 months. In total, only 29 examples of this exceptional SL300 Benz variant were ever produced, making it one of the most coveted and rare Mercedes-Benz models in history.
LIGHT METAL IN BLACK: THE CHINETTI ‘ALLOY’ – A Unique SL300 Benz
Chassis number 198.043.5500872, completed on January 12, 1956, holds a special place within the Alloy Gullwing lineage. It was the 26th alloy-bodied SL300 Benz to roll off the Untertürkheim production line and, notably, the very first completed in 1956. Its most distinguishing feature, however, was its finish: it was the sole example of these already rare cars painted in Schwarz (DB 40), or black, creating a striking contrast with its luxurious Red leather (1079) interior. The car’s data card meticulously documents its Leichtmetallausführung specifications – the alloy body, NSL engine, sports suspension, Rudge wheels, and more – along with additional features like a windshield washer system, special-order paint (including an extra kilogram for touch-ups), and a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of the unique black Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, showcasing its rare Schwarz (DB 40) paint and iconic silhouette, a truly exceptional SL300 Benz.
On January 16th, this exceptional SL300 Benz departed the factory, destined for Milan agent Saporiti. From there, it was reportedly delivered to none other than Luigi Chinetti, a legendary figure in the automotive world. Chinetti was not only a celebrated racing driver, having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but also the North American importer for Ferrari and the founder of the renowned North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.). It is believed that Chinetti commissioned this Alloy Gullwing to directly compare Mercedes-Benz’s offering against the Ferraris he was then representing. This connection to Chinetti further elevates the historical significance and desirability of this particular SL300 Benz.
A Hidden Gem: The SL300 Benz Never Shown
Decades later, in 1976, Rudi Klein encountered Luigi Chinetti at the Daytona 500. There, they agreed upon the sale of the Alloy Gullwing for $30,000. Rudi placed a $3,000 deposit with one of Chinetti’s employees right at the race track. An invoice from Luigi Chinetti Motors, dated August 30, 1976, confirms the final payment due before delivery on September 11th. However, letters from Hagwood Trucking indicate that the car wasn’t actually picked up from Chinetti until early March 1977. Photographs from that era show the Gullwing in silver (likely a repaint) with its original red leather interior. In a letter, Rudi Klein 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, Rudi Klein’s junkyard.
Alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, highlighting the luxurious red leather interior and classic cockpit design, a testament to the SL300 Benz’s refined craftsmanship.
Remarkably, Rudi Klein’s sons believe this Alloy Gullwing SL300 Benz was unique within his collection of significant vehicles – it was never driven or exhibited by him. Upon arrival from Chinetti, it was carefully stored inside the main building of his junkyard. And there it remained, hidden from the world, until its unveiling at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2024. Over the years, some parts were unfortunately sold off, including the front bumpers, shift knob, tool kit, jack, and spare wheel, a common practice of its owner. Yet, with 73,387 kilometers (~45,600 miles) recorded at the time of cataloging, the car remains spectacularly original and genuine. It retains its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box, and front spindles, all verified against the data card. The four road wheels also bear matching date codes, and the factory alloy bodywork is intact, with the body number “26” stamped on both doors, the dashboard edge, and the interior roof panel. It is exceptionally rare for a competition-bred car, often raced and sometimes wrecked, to have survived in such remarkably well-preserved condition.
The only readily apparent damage is a dent in the rear, a result of Rudi Klein accidentally backing into the Gullwing with his forklift in 1981.
While not entirely “lost,” as it was documented in SL300 Benz registries under Rudi Klein’s ownership, chassis number 198.043.5500872, like many vehicles in his secretive collection, was inaccessible to the public eye for nearly 50 years, confined within the walls of Porche Foreign Auto. It may well be the most secretive car within a collection known for its privacy. Now, it emerges as the last unrestored “Alloy” Gullwing SL300 Benz, previously owned by Luigi Chinetti, the only one finished in black – a car with an undeniably unique and irreplaceable history.
Just be mindful of that forklift dent – a quirky footnote in the long and fascinating story of this exceptional SL300 Benz.
