300 SL Alloy Gullwings to Be Sold through Sealed Bid with RM Sotheby’s and Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

Sotheby’s Sealed offers one of the most original and significant competition-prepared Alloy Gullwings, marking an unrepeatable opportunity for sophisticated collectors. This exceptional car is being offered through Sotheby’s Sealed, and bidding will conclude on 22 March at 5 p.m. EDT.

Nearly 1,400 300 SL Gullwings were produced; only 29 examples were finished with racing features and aluminium coachwork.

All 29 cars are held in important collections around the globe, and highly original examples such as the car presented here are almost non-existent.

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing symbolises unparalleled innovation, beauty, and the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

This exceptional vehicle is one of just 29 Alloy Gullwings ever produced by Mercedes-Benz, setting it apart from its 1,371 steel-bodied counterparts. Its lightweight aluminium bodywork and Plexiglas cabin windows significantly reduce weight, enhancing its rarity and performance.

The car’s original 3.0-litre NSL engine propels it with over 215 horsepower thanks to comprehensive modifications, including a competition camshaft and a unique butterfly throttle valve. Additionally, this vehicle boasts a unique provenance as it was delivered new to Casablanca, making it the only 300 SL Alloy delivered to Africa.

What makes this Alloy Gullwing even more unique is its retention of numerous desirable factory features such as sports suspension, a high-speed 3.42 rear axle, an uprated metric speedometer, belly pans, and standard-fitted Rudge wheels.

Its provenance is further enriched by its 32-year ownership under Hyatt Cheek, a figure synonymous with Mercedes-Benz heritage as the national president of the Gullwing Group and MBCA.

Underlining its distinction, chassis no. 5500332 has maintained exceptional originality, boasting its original chassis, engine, bodywork, rear axle, and front kingpins. Though the gearbox is a correct-type replacement, dated 1957, its authenticity is unquestioned. It was replaced during a meticulous restoration by the esteemed Paul Russell in 1979.

The car’s association with Paul Russell’s workshop since 1975—a name revered in the restoration of classic automobiles—underscores its extraordinary maintenance record and desirability. This Alloy Gullwing’s rarity, augmented by its significant performance enhancements and impeccable provenance, sets it apart as a pinnacle of automotive history.

This offering represents an unrepeatable opportunity for collectors to acquire a piece of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic legacy. The 300 SL Alloy Gullwing is not just a car. It symbolises unparalleled innovation, beauty, and the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.

Interested parties are invited to partake in this rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive excellence. This Alloy Gullwing awaits its following custodian to appreciate and preserve its legacy for generations.