1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys Paris event, 28 January 2026.
1,250,000 - 1,750,000 EUR

• Early production 300 SL Gullwing; one of only 167 examples allocated to 1954
• Factory-finished in White Grey with a green-beige chequered fabric interior; now presents in silver over red
• Originally delivered to New York in November 1954; later returned to Germany
• Matching-numbers chassis, body, engine, gearbox, rear axle, left and right front axles
• Accompanied by two pieces of luggage trimmed in complementing red leather and an M&W Classic inspection report issued in November 2025

The 300 SL employed a revolutionary birdcage chassis that necessitated the use of vertically lifting doors to fittingly earn its Gullwing name. Considered by many to be the original supercar, it was unveiled at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York as Mercedes-Benz targeted expansion in the United States. In turn, that made the coup the first model that the marque would debut overseas rather than in its native Germany.

Chassis number 198.040.4500070 offered here is one of just 167 examples recognised as having been built in 1954, the first year of production. From the eventual 1,400 coups completed at the Untertrkheim factory a mere 67 were specified like this car, which gained White Grey paint from new. It was further configured with green-beige chequered fabric (L3) and equipped with the optional 3.42:1 rear axle ratio. Also originally fitted with Rudge knock-off centre-lock wheels, it now wears a set of reproduction items.

Appropriately destined for an early life in the United States, the Gullwing was completed on 22 November 1954 and shipped to famed importer Max Hoffmans Mercedes-Benz Distributors of New York. While details of the first owner are not known, the 300 SL was later acquired by Tio Cleberg of Tucson in Arizona. The Gullwing completed its journey from the east to west coast of America, when it was acquired by Kay Huesken of Arcadia. Remaining in California, the Mercedes-Benz then passed to Robin B de Pry of San Gabriel.

Chassis 198.040.4500070 subsequently returned to its home nation. Exported to Germany in the late 1980s, it enjoyed a stint in Tamm just north of Mercedes-Benzs headquarters in Stuttgart. It subsequently moved between three more German owners and was restored by the Kienle workshop in the late 1990s. Since changed to its present colour combination of silver over red, the 300 SL joined The Silver Star Collection as its crowning glory in 2016. Following a return visit to Kienle, the car was exhibited at Retromobile.

Supplied with two pieces of luggage upholstered in complementing red leather, the Mercedes-Benz is further accompanied by an inspection report from M&W Classic issued in November 2025.

Notably retaining its matching-numbers chassis, body, engine, gearbox, rear axle, plus left and right front axles, this example of the iconic 300 SL is made more appealing courtesy of its early build date. Leaving the factory in a lesser-spotted colour combination that the next owner might be tempted to revert it to, this car would make for a wonderful entry into any esteemed collection.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa26/.