An Iconic Mercedes For Sale
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is a true automotive icon. The car is one of those vehicles that is at the top of just about every car enthusiast and collector’s must-own list. The vehicle you see here is currently for sale with Gooding & Company. While it’s not in concourse-level condition, it is highly original and a car worth considering.
This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing was built as a special-order US-export model, finished in Fire Engine Red with a gray leather interior. There’s documentation to prove this. Documentation also proves this 300 SL was fitted from new with optional Rudge knock-off wheels and that it retains its original, matching-numbers engine.
A.E. Knowles of Angwin, California, located within the Napa Valley, was the first owner. Apparently, during his ownership, he crossed the San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge while it was being repainted and paint was dropped on the car. The city paid to have the car repainted. In 1976, David Lee Spurgeon of Danville, California, bought the car for his collection. A year later, Jim Hammers of San Jose, California, bought the car from Spurgeon.
Hammers took the car to a Gull Wing Group event in Monterey, California. The car also saw little use during this time. Wayne Stoller of San Mateo, California, bought the car in 1979 and dutifully maintained and preserved it for the next four decades. It was taken to some small gatherings from time to time but otherwise went unused. The consignor recently acquired the car. The car comes with documentation, original tool roll, jack, owner’s manual, June 1955-dated Rudge wheels, and a vanity plate that reads ” A 300 SL.” This SL is valued at $1,250,000.
To learn more about this car, and many of the others that Gooding & Company plans to include in an online auction from August 3 to 7, click here. You can also check out the video below.
