FLYING HIGH: This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe Still Maintains Its Star Power
December 18, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
2025 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1956 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING COUPE – NO RESERVE
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe is a car that has been a collectible classic for more than half a century. An automotive superstar when released in the 1950s, its shine has never dimmed. The 300SL arguably cemented Mercedes’ global reputation as a premiere manufacturer of aspirational vehicles, due to both its racing prowess and its street performance.
But more than anything, the 300SL was unforgettable thanks to the doors being hinged at the roof, opening upward like a bird extending its wings, giving the car its informal name of “gullwing.” In addition, in an era when aerodynamics took a backseat to chrome and flash, the 300SL was sleek as a shark cutting through traffic.
The 300SL is the rare car from the mid-20th century that still looks modern and can still draw a crowd whenever enthusiasts gather. One 300SL Gullwing Coupe sure to attract attention is the 1956 example that will sell with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale 2025 Auction in January. A prize from the Robert O’Connor Collection, this 300SL is one of 311 Gullwing Coupes produced in 1956.
That exclusivity is another factor in the car’s popularity. Only 1,400 300SL Gullwing Coupes were built during the car’s production run from 1954-57. (The 300SL model continued in roadster form through 1963.)
The 300SL first appeared as a lightweight race car in 1952, designated the W194. It made an immediate impact, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Nürburgring and the Carrera Panamerica in Mexico.
The production version was revealed to great fanfare at the International Motor Sports Show in New York in February 1954. Besides the distinctive gullwing doors, the 300SL coupe was distinguished by a tubular frame as used in race cars, independent suspension front and rear, and an overhead cam Straight-6 engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection and dry sump oiling. The engine was teamed with a 4-speed gearbox.
The reaction was swift once the Gullwing got into the hands of automotive journalists. “The acceleration is truly remarkable,” noted Autocar magazine in a 1955 review. “The effect up to 60 mph is not so noticeable as higher up when, with over 80 mph showing, the rev counter needle swinging round rapidly towards the limit mark and third gear still engaged, the car fairly rockets forward.
“Press the accelerator well down even at over 100 mph in top gear and, again, there is the feeling of being on the end of a rope that is being pulled hard from in front of the car. The way the 300SL does it all with so little fuss is almost uncanny.”
Road & Track gave its highest praise in its review from 1955. “In fact, we can state unequivocally that in our opinion the 300SL coupé is the ultimate in an all-round sports car. It combines more desirable features in one streamlined package than we ever imagined or hoped would be possible.”
The car offered at Scottsdale is a remarkably well-documented and preserved 300SL coupe. The complete ownership chain is known. The car was ordered new by George Sterner of York, Pennsylvania, through Max Hoffman. Hoffman was the New York-based U.S. distributor for Mercedes-Benz, who had been instrumental in convincing Mercedes to build the production 300SL. The Sterner family held the car until 1978 before selling to the next owner. Each subsequent owner lavished attention and resources on the car.
This 1956 300SL (Chassis No. 198.040.6500165) is finished in its factory color combination of Graphite Gray (code DB190) over a Light Gray (DB955) leather interior, with all-new leather upholstery on the seats, dash and side panels. The original fuel-injected 3.0-liter inline-6 (No. 6500153) still resides under the hood. It has been completely rebuilt to factory specifications with honed cylinders, along with new pistons, valves, valve guides, bearings and timing chains, as well as a rebuilt fuel-injection pump and injectors (by Pacific Fuel Injection in Redwood City, California), recored original radiator and oil cooler, and new thermostats for the engine and injection system. It has all-new flexible oil lines and new fuel lines, and the fuel tank has been cleaned. Twin electric fuel pumps bypass the original, but intact, factory mechanical fuel pump. A newer stainless-steel exhaust system was retained.
Additional restoration work includes front and rear brakes rebuilt with new linings, refurbished drums, a rebuilt master cylinder, rebuilt wheel cylinders all around and a new brake booster. The transmission was inspected and received new bearings, and the shifter mechanism was rebuilt. The suspension was rebuilt and four new shocks installed, along with new Pirelli tires.
The interior has been given equal attention. The headliner, door upholstery and visors are also new and matching. The factory-option Nardi wood steering wheel works well with the color combination and features the pivoting collar for easier driver ingress and egress. A new Mercedes Classic windshield was installed, and all windows were given new rubber surrounds after being removed for an extensive detailing of the paintwork.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is an evergreen collectible that has survived every fashion and shift in the collector car market. A new owner will add to that rock-solid history and lore when the hammer falls in Scottsdale. Register to bid for a chance to write this iconic car’s next chapter.
Written by Independent Automotive Journalist Steve Stathem