“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
The allure of owning the ultimate, the “last” of a coveted collectible, resonates deeply with enthusiasts. This pursuit transcends mere ownership; it’s about possessing something uniquely finite, a piece of history that no one else can replicate. In the realm of vintage collectibles, securing the final exemplar can become a decades-long quest, often involving substantial investments, assuming such treasures are even accessible to private collectors and not enshrined in museums or corporate vaults. The chance to acquire the last of an iconic model, particularly a legendary sports car, is an unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, frequently hailed as the “sportscar of the century,” stands as a testament to automotive brilliance. Its captivating aesthetics, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance have cemented its position far above other iconic sports car designs that continue to fascinate collectors globally. Undeniably, the Mercedes Sl Gullwing remains the most significant and universally admired automobile crafted by Mercedes-Benz throughout their illustrious history.
The narrative of “The Last Gullwing” elevates this singular vehicle to a symbolic status, forever linking it—and its future custodian—to the triumphs, prestige, and sheer magnificence embodied by this all-conquering model.
A Pervasive Icon: The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing’s Ubiquitous Appeal
The mercedes sl gullwing‘s impact on 20th-century culture extends far beyond motorsports, largely due to its relatively substantial production run. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured 1,400 Gullwings, with numerous examples actively competing on racetracks worldwide.
Instantly recognizable due to its distinctive and unconventional design, dictated by its lightweight spaceframe chassis—a direct descendant of the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars of 1952 and 1954—the road-going mercedes sl gullwing achieved remarkable ubiquity. It graced the silver screen, cruised along Mulholland Drive, paraded down the Champs-Élysées, ventured to the Arctic Circle, and transitioned seamlessly from pristine motor show displays to the mud-splattered winner’s circles. In stark contrast to its mid-century exotic contemporaries like the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, BMW 507, Lamborghini Miura, and Jaguar XKSS, the mercedes sl gullwing was remarkably present and visible.
Its close technical and visual kinship with its racing sibling, the 300 SLR racing sports car of 1955, further enhanced the mercedes sl gullwing‘s appeal. Often considered the “first supercar,” the production Gullwing’s 3.0-liter SLR cousin arguably earns the title of “first hypercar,” achieving unprecedented speeds exceeding 180 mph thanks to its featherweight magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine. In a landmark 2022 auction, RM Sotheby’s sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, on behalf of Mercedes-Benz, for a staggering $142 million, solidifying its status as the most valuable car in history. This racing pedigree undeniably elevated the desirability and legend of the road-going mercedes sl gullwing.
Beyond the sports pages, the mercedes sl gullwing frequently appeared in entertainment sections, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie icons, and royalty. The car also served as a canvas for individual expression, offering owners a wide spectrum of color combinations and a plethora of factory optional extras.
The technologically advanced mercedes sl gullwing‘s unparalleled racing heritage resulted in countless victories in premier sports car races globally, alongside numerous amateur rally, road, and endurance racing championships. Yet, perhaps the most extraordinary feat of the Gullwing was achieving such racing accolades while simultaneously establishing itself as one of the most refined, elegant, and coveted automobiles of the era—a machine often lauded as “a spacecraft on four wheels.”
“The Last Gullwing”: A Unique Piece of Automotive History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis 7500079, “The Last Gullwing,” marking the definitive conclusion of the production run for Mercedes-Benz’s most pivotal model, an icon whose legendary status remains undiminished.
The final Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, a special order example, represents the culmination of an iconic era.
“The Last Gullwing,” chassis number 7500079, commenced its journey as a special-order Standwagen. Mercedes-Benz initially showcased it at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair before integrating it into their United States distribution network on September 27, 1957. While further exhibition appearances between the Poznan Fair’s conclusion on June 29th and its transatlantic dispatch remain undocumented, it’s confirmed 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, the factory data card copies accompanying “The Last Gullwing” reveal its original specification: Fire Engine Red (DB 534) exterior, complemented by special-order full Crème leather (1060) upholstery, English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and, owing to its extended factory stay, a set of wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels, typically reserved for the 300 SL Roadster.
Despite its profound significance and inherent uniqueness, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, this exceptionally original and meticulously maintained car has enjoyed a fortunate existence, cherished by a select lineage of only four documented owners since new. “The Last Gullwing” retains its factory-correct color scheme and boasts matching-numbers for its chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles. Its rear axle, numbered 7500024, is also believed to be original, although factory records list its number as simply “324.”
“The Last Gullwing” is now presented after more than 25 years under the stewardship of its most recent private owner. He meticulously restored the car over several years, culminating in an invitation to debut at the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the first instance of the mercedes sl gullwing model being accepted into this fiercely competitive and exclusive event. The judges and attendees alike were captivated by 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a remarkable debut and a powerful testament to the exceptional quality of its restoration.
Notwithstanding its undisputed position as Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated and successful production model, the iconic mercedes sl gullwing has sustained an unwavering spotlight for seven decades. This enduring fascination stems not merely from its embodiment of Hollywood glamour, motorsport triumphs, or fleeting aesthetic appeal, but from its representation of a timeless ideal: the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Unmatched in provenance and historical importance as the final production example of the legendary super-leicht, “The Last Gullwing” offers an opportunity that transcends mere ownership. To be seen in this mercedes sl gullwing is to be associated with greatness, with the collective achievements of the model and the individuals who contributed to its remarkable legacy.
Much like Michael Jordan’s final game-worn jersey, Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, Diego Maradona’s final cleats, or Picasso’s last masterpiece, “The Last Gullwing” embodies a transcendent ideal of collecting that eclipses its physical form as a mechanical object. To possess the “last” of anything that defined an era is to hold a tangible piece of history itself.
