1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe

Chassis No. 198.0405500XXX
Engine No. 198.9805500739
Body No. 198.0405500692

Desirable Rudge wheels and fitted luggage
Legendary performance and styling

Color: DB 180 Silver Gray Metallic
Upholstery: 333 Blue Leather

According to the Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing Register, Edition No 3, chassis 5500712 was completed on September 9, 1955, shipped to the official Mercedes-Benz importer for Portugal, C. Santos Comercio Industria, via Lisbon to the first owner Antonio Carneiro de Moura. The second owner was Adolfo de Matos also from Lisbon, Portugal. The third owner was Robert Graham Beatti from Cascais, Portugal. By the 1970s, this Gullwing made its way to the USA to the fourth owner James B. Vandergrift who lived in Kansas City, Missouri, and had a second home in Oklahoma. A title and registration were issues in 1978 and the car remained in the Midwest where it was used regularly on driving events. It is important to understand that this car was never lost, forgotten, or had any long periods of disuse. It has always been a daily driver that could go down the road as long as it had fuel. At some point in its life, it was painted red and a tan leather interior was installed.

During the summer of 2010, the car was sold by its longtime owner after over three decades, to the fifth owner who was a collector in California and wanted a car to drive on the Colorado Grand. In preparation for the event, the new owner installed a set of desirable reproduction Rudge knock-off wheels, which necessitated the installation of new wheel hubs, seals, bearings, a new set of axles, and brake drums which were sourced from Mercedes Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California. The braking is now much more effective, following cleaning of the master cylinder, re-sleeved and rebuilt wheel cylinders, and new brake drums all around with new Kevlar brake shoes. The mechanical fuel pump was rebuilt by a specialist, Pacific Fuel Injection. The fuel tank was removed, cleaned, dipped, painted, and then reinstalled with new fuel lines. The rear coil springs were replaced and the car was aligned. The radiator and oil cooler were also dipped, cleaned, and painted prior to reinstallation. All fluids and filters were changed. The Gullwing performed flawlessly on “The Colorado Grand” and completed 1000 miles with no issues.

European Collectibles purchased this 300SL in 2012 and did a full concour cosmetic restoration in the original color combination, along with a full undercarriage and engine detail. No expense spared over a 12-month period from 2012 to 2013. During the restoration, this 300SL was completely disassembled so that every aspect could be properly addressed. The body was stripped to steel; the front and rear bonnet lids and doors were pre-fit with the bumpers, headlights, and front grill to ensure the absolute best result. Repainted in its original color combination Silver Grey Metallic (color code DB 180) with a completely new blue (COLOR CODE 333) leather interior and plaid inserts on the front seats. The engine was taken down to the block and a complete engine detail was performed. The belly pans were removed, and the tubular frame was stripped to steel and repainted to factory specifications. All the chrome was triple plated, and all the components are OEM or NOS.

The odometer currently reads 78,957 kilometers, which is believed to be original but can not be verified. Factory-original fitted luggage is also included with the car. This was a standard production coupe ordered with a 3:64 rear axle ratio, a Becker Le Mans radio, and a cigarette lighter. Being a European delivery model, the odometer measures kilometers, and the bumpers are free of the bulky over-riders that adorn US delivery cars. All exterior body panels are straight and true, and the undercarriage is equipped with its belly pans.

Nicely presented and properly maintained and sorted, this 300SL has traveled approximately 1,500 kilometers since the restoration was completed in 2013. It runs and handles very well, especially on the open road, its natural element. Full photo documentation is included. It is in excellent condition both inside and out and is ready to be driven and enjoyed. This Gullwing's engine, body, and chassis numbers all match the factory records. It is complete with the original jack, belly pans, fitted luggage, tool roll, Becker radio, and cigarette lighter. Truly one of the best 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwings that you will find, finished in a beautiful original color combination, and is a dream to drive!

Specification

• 240 bhp (SAE rating), 215 bhp (DIN rating)
• 2,996 cc OHC inline six-cylinder engine
• Four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox
• Independent front suspension with twin wishbones
• Coil springs and anti-roll bar
• Swing axle rear suspension with coil springs
• Hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers
• Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes with servo assistance
• Wheelbase: 94.5"