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The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing stands as an automotive icon, a masterpiece of engineering and design that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Born from a suggestion by US importer Max Hoffman, this model seamlessly blended racing DNA with road-going luxury, creating a sports car that was truly ahead of its time. With its distinctive upward-opening doors, a necessity of its innovative tubular space frame, and sophisticated mechanicals, the 300SL Gullwing secured its place in history as a symbol of post-war German automotive excellence and remains one of the most recognizable and coveted classic cars ever produced.
Heritage and Design Evolution: The development of the 300SL was directly influenced by Mercedes-Benz’s successful W194 sports racers, from which it inherited several key design elements. The most striking of these was the unique door mechanism, necessitated by the high sills of its lightweight tubular space frame chassis. Introduced at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York, the production version featured steel bodywork, complemented by lighter aluminum panels for the hood, trunk lid, door skins, rocker panels, and floorboards, a testament to its performance-oriented construction. This meticulous engineering and design philosophy solidified the 300SL’s reputation as a true pioneer.
Exterior Presentation and Features: This particular 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, chassis 5500733, was originally completed in September 1955 for US delivery. After an older repaint in silver, its current owner initiated a refreshing repaint in 2024 to its original white (DB050), as confirmed by its Gullwing Register entry. The exterior also features front and rear bumper guards, a driver-side Talbot mirror, and pivot-out door handles, all contributing to its authentic period look. Wheel-arch “eyebrows” without welting and fender louvers adorned with twin horizontal aluminum spears further distinguish its classic lines. The body seals were meticulously replaced during the recent restoration project.
Wheels, Tires, and Braking System: The Gullwing is equipped with body-color 15-inch wheels, perfectly matching its refreshed exterior. These wheels are adorned with matching hubcaps and bright beauty rings, encapsulating the vehicle’s elegant yet sporty character. They are wrapped in 185VR15 Michelin XVS tires, showing 2024 date codes, ensuring modern road adherence while maintaining a vintage aesthetic. A spare tire is conveniently housed in the trunk. The car’s stopping power comes from a servo-assisted hydraulic braking system, utilizing aluminum-finned drums on all four wheels, with duplex actuation at each front wheel for enhanced efficiency. This brake system reportedly received a refresh in 2007, ensuring reliable performance.
Interior Appointments and Details: The cabin of this 300SL Gullwing is a striking display of classic luxury, trimmed in vibrant red leather complemented by Ulster Tartan plaid cloth over the seat cushions. This distinctive upholstery choice adds a unique character to the interior. Red carpeting extends throughout the cabin, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Additional period-correct features include a dash-mounted rearview mirror, an ivory-color shift knob, and a Blaupunkt radio, providing a touch of authentic charm. The attention to detail in the interior ensures a truly immersive and historically accurate experience for occupants.
Driver-Centric Cockpit and Instrumentation: The 300SL’s driver-focused cockpit features a two-spoke, ivory-color steering wheel, cleverly designed to pivot downward at its hub. This innovative feature facilitates easier entry and exit for the driver, a practical consideration given the car’s unique door design. A body-color dash fascia elegantly houses a suite of VDO instrumentation, including a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, a windup clock, and gauges monitoring fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and oil temperature. The five-digit odometer currently reads 39,000 miles, with only approximately 23 miles added under the current ownership, reflecting its preserved state.
Powertrain and Performance: The heart of this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is its 3.0-liter M198 inline-six engine. Canted at an angle, this design allowed for a lower hoodline, contributing to the car’s sleek profile. The engine utilizes advanced Bosch direct mechanical fuel injection and features dry-sump lubrication, an aluminum cylinder head mated to an angled block surface, a single overhead camshaft, and sodium-filled exhaust valves. From the factory, this powerful engine was rated at 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, delivering impressive performance for its era. The engine reportedly underwent an overhaul by Marx Mercedes Service in Costa Mesa, California, in 2007, during which the injection pump was also rebuilt, ensuring its continued optimal operation.
Transmission and Suspension Dynamics: Power is transmitted to the wheels through an all-synchromesh four-speed manual transmission, which was also reportedly overhauled during the 2007 mechanical freshening, alongside a clutch replacement. This robust gearbox ensures smooth and precise gear changes, contributing to the car’s engaging driving dynamics. The 300SL features a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension system. The front incorporates a double-wishbone arrangement, while the rear utilizes a dual-joint swing axle. Both ends are equipped with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, providing a balanced ride and precise handling, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Historical Documentation and Condition: This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing comes with substantial historical documentation, including a copy of its Gullwing Register entry that lists information from 1978, detailing its original colors and equipment numbers. Invoices dating back to 2007 are also included, providing a transparent record of maintenance and restoration work performed over the years. The car’s engine number 5500779 is visible stamped on the block and engine tag, and an image of the karosserie tag shows body number 5500712, further authenticating its provenance. The odometer reads 39,000 miles, reflecting careful ownership throughout its history.
Summary:
- One of 1,400 Gullwing coupes produced.
- Completed September 1955, delivered in the US.
- Repainted in original white (DB050) in 2024.
- Features 3.0-liter M198 inline-six engine.
- Bosch direct mechanical fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication.
- Factory rated at 215 horsepower at 5,800 rpm.
- 4-speed manual transmission, overhauled in 2007.
- Red leather interior with Ulster Tartan plaid cloth.
- Servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, refreshed in 2007.
- Four-wheel independent suspension with rear swing axle.
- Power steering and factory air conditioning.
- Includes Gullwing Register entry and invoices dating to 2007.
Disclaimer: All specifications and details are provided for informational purposes only, based on available documentation and statements. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to perform their own comprehensive inspection and due diligence.
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