Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty firm, is thrilled to supply an thrilling assortment of over 100 collectible vehicles provided solely with out reserve—together with among the most fascinating American, European, and British pre- and post-Struggle cars ever produced on the Artwork Academy College Public sale this 15 February in San Francisco. Highlights embody this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe estimated at $1,200,000 – $1,500,000 and is obtainable with out reserve.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe was the primary true sports activities automotive developed by Daimler-Benz after World Struggle II, due to Max Hoffman, an Austrian-American; the official importer of Mercedes-Benz within the U.S. The 300 SL was based mostly on the Mercedes 1952 racing automotive, that includes a most distinctive component: gullwing doorways. These had been a necessity as a result of automotive’s tubular house body, which was engineered too excessive for typical doorways. The streamlined physique additionally launched a number of improvements, together with Mercedes-Benz’s first use of direct gasoline injection, boosting output by 40 horsepower in comparison with the carbureted racing mannequin. The engine was tilted to make sure a low, aerodynamic profile. Weighing simply 2,866 kilos with spare tire and instruments, the brand new 300 SL provided sensational, unheard-of efficiency.
With order quantity 668 064, this 300 SL started to take form in Sindelfingen. A duplicate of the unique Knowledge Card exhibits that it was assigned chassis quantity 5500429, the automotive accomplished manufacturing on 20 June 1955 in Graphite Gray (DB190), one in all simply 61 vehicles to obtain this end for the 1955 mannequin 12 months. Providing a splendid distinction, the inside was specified with Pink leather-based (1079). The Gullwing Group Registry lists the consignee as Mercedes-Benz Distributors, Inc. of New York, with manufacturing unit remarks displaying the automotive as a particular order.
Moreover, the Gullwing Group Registry lists the automotive as having three house owners within the San Francsico Bay area by means of 1989. The automotive is then reported to have been owned by John Jay Moores, former proprietor of the San Diego Padres. Beneath his path, the automotive acquired a complete restoration by the acclaimed Hjeltness Restorations of Escondido, California. In the course of the restoration, the Gullwing’s livery was modified to its current uncommon shade of Strawberry Pink Metallic (DB543) over a Pure leather-based (1068) inside.
In the course of the complete, body-off restoration, just about no side of the automotive was missed. Consideration to element is obvious all through the automotive, with an applicable set of stomach pans to the finely fitted inside. The set of two-piece sports activities wheels with chrome-plated barrels and polished aluminum facilities add a sporting contact with out the elevated weight from the Rudge knock-off wheels. A two-piece set of matching baggage was commissioned as a remaining element of this fabulous restoration. Following the restoration, famous collector Sid Craig acquired the automotive. His partner, Jenny Craig, offered it from their assortment after his passing in late 2008. The Academy of Artwork College Assortment then acquired the automotive in 2009, the place it has remained on show for college kids and the general public alike for the previous 15 years.
Given the restoration’s age, the standard is really obvious because the automotive presents itself superbly immediately. With its vibrant Strawberry Pink Metallic bodywork, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe provided by Broad Arrow is certain to attract consideration wherever this actually eye-catching touring automotive might go.
To view extra thrilling vehicles on provide at Broad Arrow’s the Artwork Academy College Assortment Public sale, please go to their web site at broadarrowauctions.com and make sure to register to bid for this thrilling must-attend occasion.
