Following Mercedes-Benz’s triumphant victories with the W194 at prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, there was a growing demand for a road-legal version. Recognizing the immense potential of the American market, and spurred by the insistence of New York importer Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz developed the W198. This model, quickly christened the 300 SL and affectionately nicknamed the “Gullwing” for its iconic 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, highlighting the strategic importance of the US market for this groundbreaking vehicle.
Just a year into the 300SL’s production, Dr. Fritz Nallinger, Mercedes-Benz’s chief engineer, envisioned an even more exclusive, competition-focused variant of the W198. His target audience was the burgeoning group of privateer and amateur racers eager to push their 300 SLs to their performance limits. In February 1954, Dr. Nallinger successfully persuaded the board to greenlight this special-order model. Marketed with typical German understatement as Leichtmetallausführung—or Light Metal Version—this “Alloy” Gullwing was far more than a superficial makeover. It was engineered as a full-fledged competition machine. Beyond its lightweight body, it boasted the more potent NSL engine, a sport-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. This enhanced performance and exclusivity came at a significant premium, adding $1,307 to the already substantial base price of a standard 300 SL.
However, the considerable cost, coupled with stiff competition from established racing marques like Ferrari, restricted the Alloy Gullwing’s production run to a mere 12 months. In total, only 29 examples of this ultra-rare variant were ever produced, making it one of the most coveted Mercedes-Benz models in history.
The Black Beauty: Chassis 198.043.5500872 – A Chinetti Legacy
Completed on January 12, 1956, chassis number 198.043.5500872 holds a unique place in the Alloy Gullwing lineage. It was the 26th alloy-bodied Gullwing to emerge from the Untertürkheim factory and, notably, the first completed in 1956. Adding to its exceptional status, it remains the sole example of these already rare cars finished in Schwarz (DB 40), or black, a striking contrast to its luxurious Red leather (1079) interior. Its original data card meticulously documents its Leichtmetallausführung specifications – the alloy body, NSL engine, sports suspension, and Rudge wheels – along with special-order features like a windshield washer system, custom paint with extra touch-up paint, and a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio.
Just four days after completion, on January 16th, this exceptional car was dispatched from the factory, destined for Milanese agent Saporiti. From there, it was reportedly delivered to none other than Luigi Chinetti. Chinetti was a legendary figure in the automotive world, a Le Mans-winning driver who later became Ferrari’s North American importer and the founder of the renowned North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.). It’s believed that Chinetti personally commissioned this Black Alloy Gullwing to benchmark Mercedes-Benz’s offering against his own stable of Ferraris.
A Hidden Gem: From Chinetti’s Hands to Decades of Seclusion
The story of this particular 1956 Mercedes 300sl Alloy Gullwing takes another fascinating turn in 1976. Rudi Klein, a collector of significant vehicles, met Luigi Chinetti at the 1976 Daytona 500. An agreement was struck, and Rudi purchased the Alloy Gullwing for $30,000, placing a $3,000 deposit on the spot. An invoice from Luigi Chinetti Motors, dated August 30, 1976, confirms the transaction, outlining the final payment due before delivery on September 11th. However, logistical details suggest the car wasn’t actually picked up from Chinetti until March 1977. Photographs from that time show the Gullwing in silver, retaining its original red leather interior, and a letter from Rudi Klein describes it as “sound [with] no damage. Equipment on car includes radio, spare, etc. and knock-offs.”
Intriguingly, despite owning a collection of notable cars, the Klein family believes this Alloy Gullwing was unique in that Rudi never drove or displayed it. Upon arrival from Chinetti, it was carefully stored within the main building of his junkyard, Porche Foreign Auto. And there it remained, hidden from public view, until its recent unveiling at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2024. Over the decades, a few parts – the front bumpers, shift knob, tool kit, jack, and spare wheel – were sold off, typical of Rudi’s practices. Yet, with a remarkably low 73,387 kilometers (approximately 45,600 miles) recorded at the time of cataloging, the car retains extraordinary originality. It still houses its original, matching-numbers engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box, and front spindles, all verified to match the factory data card. Even its four road wheels bear matching date codes, and crucially, it retains its factory alloy bodywork, with the body number “26” stamped on both doors, the dashboard edge, and the interior roof panel. It’s exceptionally rare for competition-bred cars, often raced and prone to accidents, to have survived in such remarkably well-preserved condition.
The only readily apparent damage is a dent in the rear, a testament to a minor incident in 1981 when Rudi reportedly backed into the Gullwing with his forklift.
While not entirely “lost” as it was known to be with Rudi Klein within 300 SL circles, chassis number 198.043.5500872 remained effectively inaccessible to the wider world for nearly 50 years, concealed within the confines of Porche Foreign Auto. It might well be the most secretive vehicle within a famously private collection, essentially hidden within one building on the property for half a century. Now, it emerges as the last unrestored “Alloy” Gullwing, with its distinguished provenance of Luigi Chinetti ownership and unique black factory finish – a car with a truly unparalleled history.
Just remember to watch out for forklifts.
