Summary

Delivered new to Havana, Cuba; one of 855 made in 1955. The car campaigned as a racer and took first place in the 1957 Havana Grand Prix. Matching-numbers 3.0-liter inline-6 engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. 59,265 actual miles.

Details

This 300SL gullwing coupe is one of 855 made in 1955, out of a total production run of just 1,400 between 1954 and 1957. The gullwing factory construction uses a lightweight tubular spaceframe under a steel body shell with aluminum hood, doors, trunk lid, rocker panels, firewall and floor pans. This gullwing was delivered to its initial owner (the Ministry of Police in Havana, Cuba) on June 16, 1955, and was rallied in the early part of its life by Santiago 'Chaquito' Gonzales, a professional race car driver. It took first place at the 1957 Havana Gran Prix National Race and first place in record time at the IV Classic Havana Rally. It was imported to the U.S. in 1961 when it was purchased by its second owner in California. This 300SL was special-ordered with Strawberry Red Metallic paint from the factory and has received a repaint in a similar color (Fire Engine Red). Power comes from its original matching-numbers M198 3.0-liter SOHC inline-6 engine with Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication. The engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The optional extra-cost factory beige leather interior features VDO gauges, a wood steering wheel and non-factory custom-made luggage. This original body gullwing received a thorough restoration by the third owner in the 1990s at about 92,000 kilometers (57,166 miles), which included a bare-metal repaint, new interior, rebuilt gauges, redone brightwork, and rebuilt engine, transmission and brakes. A second engine rebuild was performed by the fourth owner in 2003. This 300SL now has 95,377 actual kilometers (59,265 miles) and comes with documentation that includes a copy of the factory data card, data-card decoding by the Mercedes Classic Center in Los Angeles, copy of the factory export delivery notice, ownership history, some prior ownership documents, photos when raced, race results, service notes and restoration notes. Also, included with the sale are the original, unrestored belly pans, which are currently off of the car. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to purchase a matching-numbers, original body and fully documented gullwing with complete history from new.