Mercedes-Benz : SL-Class Gullwing

View Our Other Listings | Contact Us | Print this listing 1955 Mercedes 300SL GullwingLegendary Classic Center LLC3020-B pullman stCosta Mesa. CA 92626Call Us Today(949) 350-4019Ask ForMark 949-335-7474 ext 1. Ask Us A Question

 Vehicle DetailsYear: 1955Make: Mercedes-BenzModel: SL-ClassVIN: 198040. 5500594Stock Number: 155Mileage: 41822Transmission: ManualEngine: 6 Cylinder. 3L LExterior Color: SilverInterior Color: BlueTitle: Clear Description1955 Mercedes 300SL GullwingVehicle InformationType:UsedYear:1955Make:MercedesModel:300SL GullwingTrim:Body Style:1955StockSilverMileage:41822Engine Size:3. 0Transmission:manualExterior Color:SilverInterior Color:BlueVin:198040. 5500594

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1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe

Chassis no. 198040. 5500594
Engine no. 198980. 5500621

2. 96cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
212bhp at 5. 00rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Exceptional example of the iconic Gullwing
*Matching numbers example
*Fresh repaint
*A highlight car at recent Concours showings
*Serviced and maintained by Gullwing experts
* Rudge Wheels
* Luggage set
* Full tool kit and owners manuals
* Two Sets of seats (leather and Plaid)
* Belly Pans


The 300SL Gullwing

Max Hoffman rarely missed an opportunity. The impresario of imported cars on New York's Park Avenue built the U. S. presence of most European brands after World War II Jaguar. Allard. Alfa Romeo. Lancia. Mercedes-Benz and more and when Mercedes-Benz won the Carrera Panamericana in 1952 with a W194 300SL coupe driven by Karl Kling. Hoffman seized the moment.

He approached Mercedes with a radical idea: take the charismatic tube frame W194. with its high performance 3-liter engine and characteristic roof-hinged doors. and create a road car based on it. It was audacious. but Hoffman had a highly developed sense for the U. S. market and backed up his suggestion with his checkbook. He placed an order for a thousand luxury high performance coupes based on a more civilized version of the W194.

Mercedes-Benz. still valiantly trying to shake off the devastation of the war and the weak European market. took him up on it and the 300SL was born.

Hoffman had proposed a relatively direct transformation of the multi-tube framed W194. retaining its roof-hinged doors. tall. wide sills. 45 canted triple-carbureted single overhead camshaft inline six and fully independent suspension with more civilized accoutrements. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz weren't satisfied with such a simple transformation and added the first direct mechanical fuel injection system ever offered in a production automobile. Introduced at the February 1954 New York Auto Show. the 300SL was an instant sensation.

Its curved doors soon brought it the nickname "Gullwing" which has stuck for well over half a century and been copied by many lesser automobiles hoping to capitalize on the 300SL's halo. The body design was refined for the street and added eyebrow moldings over the wheel wells to signal an association with Mercedes-Benz's later race cars. The driving position. steering wheel location. controls and instruments' visibility were carefully refined by M-B to make driving the 300SL a rewarding experience.

Over the next three years Mercedes-Benz built over 1. 00 300SL Gullwings. The majority were sold through Max Hoffman in North America. validating both the reality of his vision and returning many times over the confidence he showed in backing its development.

Ever since 1954. the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing has been one of the seminal cars every collector must own or experience.

The Motorcar Offered

This original U. S. market Gullwing was completed on August 25. 1955. Being a later series car it benefited as new from the ATE brake booster. and is known to have been fitted with the stock 3. 64 rear axle ratio.

in recent ownership. the 300SL was sent to esteemed Gullwing specialist restorers Hjeltness Restorations of Escondido. California. who carried out a major engine service. and rebuilt the brakes. master cylinder and brake booster.

Please feel free to call 949-335-7474 ext 1 for any questions.

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3020-B Pullman Street
Costa Mesa. CA 92626

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 Additional Photos Warranty InformationThis vehicle is being sold as is. where is with no warranty. expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description. authenticity. genuineness. or defects herein. and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness. imperfection. defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle. and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle.  Terms & Conditions

All vehicles must be paid for in full within 5 days . unless arrangements are made in advance. We do not refund deposits unless there is a discrepancy between the car's condition and what we advertised. For questions call 949-335-7474.

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