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1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe

Lot 224 | The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction 2025 Sunday, 25 May 2025

Estimate: $1,450,000 - $1,550,000

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe

Lot 224 | The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction 2025 Sunday, 25 May 2025

Estimate: $1,450,000 - $1,550,000
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Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe
Broad Arrow Auctions | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe

  • Offered from three long-term owners with ownership between 1982 and 2024
  • Equipped with upgraded front disc brakes and wider wheels like those used on late production Roadsters
  • Presented in attractive Medium Red over a Natural leather interior
  • One of just 855 examples produced for 1955
  • Among the most collectible cars ever produced, eligible for the most exclusive driving and concours events worldwide
  • Tre proprietari dal 1982 al 2024
  • Dotato di freni a disco potenziati e ruote più larghe come quelle utilizzate sulle Roadster di ultima produzione.
  • Rifinita nell’elegante Rosso Medio con interni in pelle Naturale
  • Uno dei 855 esemplari prodotti nel 1955
  • Un must da collezione, perfetta per i più esclusivi eventi automobilistici e per i concorsi d’eleganza di tutto il mondo

Chassis No. 198.040.5500710
Body No. A198.040.5500690
Engine No. 198.980.10.002690

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe is a true automotive masterpiece born in equal parts from the visionary mind of U.S. dealer/importer Max Hoffman and the racing successes of the W194 Coupe. Hoffman played a key role in bringing the Gullwing to life, championing his U.S. customer base as hungry for a high-performance road variant of the fabled race car. This collaboration led to the creation of a groundbreaking model that not only showcased a unique, streamlined design but also incorporated revolutionary features like direct mechanical fuel injection and the iconic gullwing doors—necessitated by the car's tubular space frame, which was too high for conventional doors.

The revolutionary direct fuel injection system allowed the road car to produce 25 additional horsepower over its carbureted racing counterpart, offering otherworldly engine power and performance. The engine was tilted to ensure a low, aerodynamic profile, while the car's lightweight construction, just 1,300 kg, further enhanced its driving capabilities. This combination of innovative design and cutting-edge engineering allowed the 300 SL to reach top speeds of up to 260 km/h, solidifying its place as the premier performance-oriented car of its era. Produced in limited numbers—only 1,400 units were built from 1954 to 1957—the Gullwing quickly became a symbol of Mercedes-Benz's engineering excellence and a benchmark for automotive design. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after cars of its era and a benchmark blue-chip collector car admired for its timeless elegance and groundbreaking achievements in performance and technology.

As part of the first groundbreaking model year, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe completed production on 6 September 1955 as order number 761 938 and was shipped the following day to Belgium, where it was sold through the IMA dealership in Brussels. The car was specified in Mercedes' racing colors of Silver Gray Metallic (DB 180) over an era-defining Blue vinyl and Gabardine Blue Plaid (L11) interior that featured within many of its contemporary 300 SL competition models.

While the car's early history is less known, the car was purchased in 1982 by well-known Mercedes enthusiast Robert Eiker of Wuppertal, Germany. He, along with brothers Dieter and Eduard Bollmeyer, were influential figures in the 300 SL community, where an informal meeting among 300 SL enthusiasts at Bollmeyer Mercedes-Benz of Bünde, Germany, led to the founding of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL-Club Deutschland just one year later. Under Eiker's stewardship, the car was thoroughly restored beginning in 1983. The restoration, completed in 1984, included refinishing the bodywork in Blue with a natural leather interior at Bollmeyer's Mercedes-Benz dealership. The restoration also included an upgrade to front-wheel disc brakes as used on the late-production 300 SL Roadsters. It is noted that at this point, he had already replaced the engine block with a later replacement sourced from a Roadster that still powers the car today, as the car retains its original style crank case ventilation system, oil sump, and single coil ignition system.

The car was later acquired by Helmut Naue of Lübbecke on 9 April 1991 as noted on its German Fahrzeugbrief. After 15 years, the car joined the collection of Dieter Bollmeyer in 2006. As a founding member of the 300 SL-Club Deutschland, Bollmeyer likely coveted Eiker's former Gullwing, the very same car he and his brother had restored just over two decades earlier! A FIVA Identity Card was issued to Bollmeyer on 22 January 2007, noting not only the desirable disc brake upgrade but also wider 5.5-inch wheels like those used on the Roadster. Should the next owner wish to return the car to stock form, original drum brake parts and spindles will accompany the sale of this Gullwing with the seller assisting in transportation to the successful bidder. Following his acquisition, the bodywork was refinished under Bollmeyer's direction in Medium Red (DB516) in 2009 by Bernd Schling at Schling GmbH & Co. KG of Lübbecke, Germany. Medium Red is a rarely seen shade that was applied to only 16 300 SL Coupes when new.

After 18 years, Bollmeyer parted ways with his Gullwing when it was acquired by its current owner in 2024. In August 2024, as part of the acquisition, the car received a comprehensive and detailed analysis of its numbered stampings and steel composition of its frame and bodywork to verify its originality by TÜV Rheinland. The report reveals that the chassis and body number stamps are consistent and in the typical location for a 300 SL. The two-digit "69" stamping on the dashboard is consistent with the "690" stamping on the body number. Lastly, the spectral analysis of the body and chassis shows they are from the original production period. The complete report from TÜV Rheinland confirming the car is a genuine, original 300 SL Gullwing is available for further review in the accompanying history file.

The 300 SL Gullwing Coupe is more than an engineering exercise in mechanical superiority and speed. It's the combination of its style, performance, and historical relevance that continues to captivate enthusiasts of all generations. Unlike many Gullwings, this example benefits from known, long-term prominent enthusiast ownership. Desirably upgraded with disc brakes and wider wheels, this car is naturally suited for touring use. With its rarely seen Medium Red bodywork, it is sure be an absolute star wherever it goes.

Title/Registration: German Fahrzeugbrief, VAT Status: EU Taxes Paid

Telaio No. 198.040.5500710
Carrozzeria No. A198.040.5500690
Motore No. 198.980.10.002690

La Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupè -Ali di gabbiano- è un autentico capolavoro automobilistico, nata dalla mente visionaria dell’importatore statunitense Max Hoffman e dai successi sportivi della W194 Coupé. Hoffman ebbe un ruolo chiave nel portare alla luce la Gullwing, sostenendo la domanda dei suoi clienti americani, desiderosi di una versione stradale ad alte prestazioni della celebre vettura da corsa. Da questa collaborazione nacque un modello rivoluzionario, che non solo vantava un design aerodinamico unico, ma introduceva soluzioni all’avanguardia come l’iniezione meccanica diretta e le iconiche aperture ad ali di gabbiano - rese necessarie dal telaio tubolare della vettura, troppo alto per consentire portiere convenzionali.

Il rivoluzionario sistema di iniezione diretta permetteva alla versione stradale di sviluppare 25 CV in più rispetto alla sua controparte da corsa a carburatori, offrendo prestazioni e potenza fuori dal comune. Il motore era inclinato per garantire un profilo basso e aerodinamico, mentre la leggerezza della vettura - appena 1.300 kg - ne esaltava ulteriormente le capacità dinamiche. Questa combinazione di design innovativo e ingegneria all'avanguardia ha permesso alla 300 SL di raggiungere velocità massime fino a 260 km/h, consacrandola come la vettura ad alte prestazioni per eccellenza della sua epoca. Prodotta in tiratura limitata - solamente 1.400 esemplari tra il 1954 e il 1957 - la Gullwing divenne rapidamente il simbolo dell’eccellenza ingegneristica Mercedes-Benz e un punto di riferimento nella storia del design automobilistico. Ancora oggi è una delle auto più ambite del suo tempo e un autentico gioiello da collezione, ammirata per la sua eleganza senza tempo e per i traguardi pionieristici raggiunti in termini di prestazioni e tecnologia.

Questa Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé del 1955, primo anno di produzione del modello, fu completata il 6 settembre 1955 con il numero d’ordine 761 938 e spedita il giorno successivo in Belgio, dove venne venduta tramite il concessionario IMA di Bruxelles. L’auto fu configurata nel colore delle Mercedes da competizione, il Silver Gray Metallic (DB 180), abbinato ad un interno in vinile Blu e Gabardine Blue Plaid (L11), una combinazione che caratterizzava molti dei modelli 300 SL da competizione del periodo.

Sebbene si conosca poco della storia iniziale dell’esemplare, nel 1982 fu acquistata da Robert Eiker, noto appassionato Mercedes di Wuppertal, in Germania. Insieme ai fratelli Dieter ed Eduard Bollmeyer, Eiker fu una figura influente nella comunità della 300 SL: proprio da un incontro informale tra appassionati del modello presso la concessionaria Mercedes-Benz Bollmeyer di Bünde, nacque l’anno seguente il Mercedes-Benz 300 SL-Club Deutschland. Sotto la custodia di Eiker, l’auto fu sottoposta a un attento restauro a partire dal 1983. Il lavoro, completato nel 1984, prevedeva il restauro completo della carrozzeria, verniciata in blu, e degli interni, rifiniti in pelle naturale, presso la concessionaria Mercedes-Benz dei Bollmeyer. Si noti che a questo punto aveva già sostituito il blocco motore con uno più recente proveniente da un Roadster che ancora oggi alimenta l'auto, poiché l'auto conserva il sistema di ventilazione del carter, la coppa dell'olio e il sistema di accensione a bobina singola originali.

L'auto fu successivamente acquistata da Helmut Naue di Lübbecke il 9 aprile 1991, come indicato nel suo Fahrzeugbrief. Dopo 15 anni, nel 2006 entrò a far parte della collezione di Dieter Bollmeyer. In qualità di membro fondatore del 300 SL-Club Deutschland, è probabile che Bollmeyer desiderasse ardentemente la ex Gullwing di Eiker, proprio la stessa auto che lui e suo fratello avevano restaurato poco più di vent’anni prima! In un documento d’identità FIVA rilasciato a Bollmeyer il 22 gennaio 2007, venivano annotati non solo l’ aggiornamento ai freni a disco, ma anche i cerchi più larghi da 5,5 pollici, sempre provenienti da una Roadster. Qualora il futuro proprietario volesse riportare l’auto alla configurazione originale, nel lotto sono inclusi anche i componenti dei freni a tamburo e i mozzi originali. Il proprietario è disponibile nell’organizzare la spedizione di questo materiale dopo la vendita. Nel 2009, la carrozzeria venne riverniciata, sotto la supervisione di Bollmeyer, nel colore Medium Red (DB516) da Bernd Schling della Schling GmbH & Co. KG di Lübbecke, Germania. Il Medium Red è una tonalità che raramente si vede, originariamente scelta su appena 16 coupé 300 SL.

Dopo 18 anni, Bollmeyer si separò dalla sua Gullwing, che venne acquistata dall’attuale proprietario nel 2024. Nell’agosto dello stesso anno l’auto venne sottoposta ad un’analisi completa e dettagliata dei numeri di telaio e della composizione dell’acciaio del telaio e della carrozzeria da parte del TÜV Rheinland, al fine di verificarne l’originalità. Il rapporto evidenzia che i punzoni del telaio e della carrozzeria sono coerenti e si trovano nella posizione corretta per una 300 SL. La punzonatura a due cifre "69" sul cruscotto risulta corrispondente alla numerazione "690" del numero di carrozzeria. Infine, l’analisi della scocca e del telaio conferma che entrambi risalgono al periodo di produzione originale. Il rapporto completo del TÜV Rheinland, che certifica l’autenticità e l’originalità di questa 300 SL Gullwing, è disponibile per essere consultato insieme alla documentazione storica che accompagna l’auto.

La 300 SL Gullwing Coupé non è solo un esercizio di ingegneria votato alla superiorità meccanica e alla velocità. È l’unione di stile, prestazioni e rilevanza storica , continua ad affascinare appassionati di tutte le generazioni. A differenza di molte altre Gullwing, questo esemplare vanta una storia di proprietà nota e duratura, appartenuta a importanti collezionisti ed estimatori del marchio. Dotata di freni a disco e cerchi più larghi provenienti dalla versione Roadster, questa vettura è naturalmente predisposta per essere usata durante le manifestazioni. Con la sua carrozzeria in Medium Red, una tonalità molto rara, sarà senza dubbio una vera protagonista ovunque venga esposta.

Bastian Voigt
Head of Consignments, Germany