“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 discerning collectors, the pursuit of rarity is paramount. To possess “the last” of anything truly collectible is to hold something uniquely special. This exclusivity, whether achieved through chance, persistence, or privilege, elevates ownership to an unparalleled status. In the realm of vintage collectibles, particularly iconic automobiles, the quest to acquire the ultimate example can span decades and involve significant investment. This pursuit is often complicated by the fact that many prized artifacts reside in museums or corporate archives, beyond the reach of private acquisition.
The opportunity to own the last of a legendary model, especially a sportscar as iconic as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime prospect. Celebrated as the “sportscar of the century,” the Gullwing Mercedes captivates with its stunning design, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance. It stands as Mercedes-Benz’s most significant and universally admired automobile, a true testament to their storied legacy.
The chance to acquire “The Last Gullwing” is now a reality. This singular vehicle carries immense symbolic weight, connecting its future custodian to the triumphs, prestige, and unparalleled excellence embodied by this remarkable model. For those seeking a Gullwing Mercedes For Sale, this represents an unparalleled opportunity.
A Ubiquitous Icon of the 20th Century
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing transcended the boundaries of motorsport, permeating the cultural consciousness of the 20th century. Its widespread impact stemmed partly from its production numbers. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured approximately 1,400 Gullwings, with many participating in races worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its distinctive gullwing doors—a design necessitated by its lightweight spaceframe, inherited from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sportscars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going 300 SL Gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. It graced the silver screen, cruised along Mulholland Drive, paraded down the Champs-Élysées, and even ventured into the Arctic Circle. From pristine motor show displays to the victorious grime of the racetrack, the Gullwing was everywhere. Unlike its contemporaries, such as the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the 300 SL Gullwing distinguished itself through its sheer presence and accessibility.
Its close technical and aesthetic kinship with the formidable 300 SLR racing sportscar of 1955 further enhanced the 300 SL’s allure. Often considered the “first supercar,” the production Gullwing’s 3.0-liter SLR relative could justifiably be called the “first hypercar.” Thanks to its magnesium bodywork and 300-horsepower engine, the 300 SLR achieved unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph. In a landmark 2022 sale, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for an astounding $142 million on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, solidifying its position as the most valuable car in history. This racing pedigree undoubtedly elevates the desirability of any gullwing mercedes for sale.
Beyond its sporting achievements, the 300 SL frequently appeared in entertainment publications, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie icons, and royalty. The Gullwing also championed individuality, offering owners a wide spectrum of color combinations and factory options to personalize their vehicles.
The technologically advanced 300 SL’s racing prowess earned it countless victories in prestigious sportscar races and numerous amateur championships. Yet, remarkably, the Gullwing achieved these accolades while simultaneously embodying elegance, sophistication, and desirability. It became known as a “spacecraft on four wheels,” a symbol of futuristic design and performance.
The Last Gullwing: A Unique Opportunity
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing.” This car represents the definitive conclusion of Mercedes-Benz’s most significant model’s production, a model whose iconic status remains undiminished.
“The Last Gullwing” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased by Mercedes-Benz at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Subsequently, on September 27, 1957, it was dispatched to the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States. While further exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its American shipment remain undocumented, it’s known that by the time 7500079 concluded its promotional duties, the Mercedes-Benz factory had already commenced production of its successor, the 300 SL Roadster.
Intriguingly, factory data card copies reveal “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red (DB 534) with a special-order full Crème leather interior (1060), English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, reflecting its extended factory stay, wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster. These unique specifications add to the allure for anyone seeking a gullwing mercedes for sale.
After its initial period in America, this exceptionally significant and remarkably original vehicle entered a phase of relative obscurity. However, it 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, 7500024, is also believed to be original, although factory records note it as “324.”
Offered after more than 25 years under its current private ownership, “The Last Gullwing” underwent a meticulous restoration by its owner over several years. This dedication culminated in an invitation to the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, marking the model’s debut at this highly selective event. Judges and attendees alike lauded 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a testament to the exceptional quality of its restoration.
Despite its undisputed status as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated production model, the 300 SL Gullwing has captivated enthusiasts for seven decades. Its enduring appeal transcends mere glamour, motorsport victories, or fleeting beauty. It embodies an ideal: the pursuit of perfection. For serious collectors, the availability of a gullwing mercedes for sale, especially one with this provenance, is an unmissable event.
“The Last Gullwing,” unparalleled in provenance and significance as the final example of the iconic super-leicht, presents an opportunity beyond simple ownership. To be associated with this Gullwing is to be linked to greatness, to the model’s triumphs, and to the individuals who contributed to its legendary status.
Just as Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball resonate with historical significance, “The Last Gullwing” transcends its mechanical nature. To possess “the last” of an era-defining artifact is to hold a tangible piece of history. For those in the market for a gullwing mercedes for sale, “The Last Gullwing” is not just a car; it’s a legacy.
