View allAll Photos Tagged SLClass
W198 II
The 300 SL's victory in the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans left its mark and kicked off the road-going career of this grand tourer. Max Hoffman, the American importer, undertook to sell 1.000 units of a detuned version of this car provided it kept its butterfly doors. Three years later he wanted a cabriolet.
Paris Motor Show Cars at the Grand Palais, until 1961
Presented by Frédéric Leroux
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
France - Frankrijk
June 2019
The C107/R107 Series was introduced in April 1971, and designed by Joseph Gallitzendörfer and Friedrich Geiger in 1968.
R107 stands for the convertible version. It was manufactured a few years longer than the C107 coupé version.
4520 cc 8 cylinder engine.
1622 kg.
Production Mercedes C107/R107: April 1971-1989.
Production this C107 450 SLC: 1972 (in US) / March 1973 (Europe)-1980.
Original first reg. number: Sept. 19, 1975.
New Dutch reg. number: May 1983 (not valid anymore, May 2021).
Last ownership registration: unknown.
Amsterdam-Zuid, Stadionkade, Sept. 22, 2016.
© 2016 Sander Toonen, Halfweg / All Rights Reserved
Location: Berlin - 1608km from home.
Spotting older Russian cars is very hard, which makes this spot even more surprising in my eyes. It's also pretty nice that it still features the CH oval. Probably owned by a Russian living in Switzerland or having lived there.
97 = Moscow
W198II
2.996 cc
6 in-line
190 hp
Class XIII : Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Zoute Concours d'Elegance
Royal Zoute Golf Club
Zoute Grand Prix 2022
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2022
W198 II
Chassis n° 198.042.7500594
RM Sotheby's
Place Vauban
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 800.000 - 900.000
Sold for € 764.375
In 1957 the 300 SL Gullwing was replaced by a more highly developed roadster model that was superior in most respects. More powerful due to the standard specification of a sports camshaft, the 300 SL roadster was also easier to use and control, thanks to a revised frame design that allowed for conventional doors and a new low-pivot rear swing axle that minimized oversteer. Still retaining most of the Gullwing’s characteristic exterior design cues, the roadster has evolved into nearly as collectable a model while offering a much more driver-friendly experience. Historically speaking, the open-top arrangement proved to be the forerunner of a long line of powerful SL convertibles that continues to this day.
Benefitting from a well-maintained older restoration, and retaining its original engine, body, and steering box, this beautiful 300 SL roadster is a particularly fetching example that has enjoyed a current ownership period of over 23 years. Though the early history of the car is currently unknown, there is a great likelihood that it was distributed new to the United States, as the car is fitted with American-style headlamp lenses, and was definitely in American ownership during the 1980s.
Originally finished in ivory paint over an interior of red leather (the colour scheme which the car retains today), chassis number 7500594 is approximately the 518th car built out of 1,858 total examples. According to an entry in the Gullwing Group registry, the roadster was owned during the 1980s by Richard Schmauss of Superior, Wisconsin. Mr Schmauss was a lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast who served at Pearl Harbor during World War II before returning to the prairie states to found a successful detailing business called Klean Kar Service. Proud of his heritage, Schmauss collected all things German and owned several premium Mercedes-Benz models, including a 190 SL, a 300 cabriolet, and a 600 four-door limousine, as well as an early Porsche 911.
By 1989 the 300 SL was sold from Mr Schmauss’s collection, and in December 1996 the car was acquired by the consignor, an enthusiast based in Portugal, at which point the odometer displayed 31,275 miles. The owner commissioned Mercedes-Benz Classic of Portugal to sympathetically freshen the car as needed, and in 2007 it was issued a FIVA card for participation in major events.
Notable for retaining its original engine and factory-appointed colour scheme, this well-maintained 300 SL offers a beautiful complement to any collection and would make an ideal acquisition for open motoring enthusiasts or Mercedes-Benz collectors on the hunt for a well-sorted early roadster. Given its early build date, the car is eligible for the finest driving events worldwide, including the Mille Miglia Storico, and would be an ideal candidate for either concours display or event use.
R232
100th Anniversary Edition
Brussels Motor Show
Autosalon Brussel
Salon de l'Auto Bruxelles
Brussels - Belgium
January 2023
W198 II
2.996 cc
6 in-line
190 hp
Class XIII : Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Zoute Concours d'Elegance
Royal Zoute Golf Club
Zoute Grand Prix 2022
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2022
W198
2.996 cc
6 in-line
215 PS
275 Nm
Vmax : 250 km/h
29 ex. (Aluminium)
Techno Classica 2012
Essen
Deutschland - Germany
March 2012
Pre-production Model
W198
The 300 SL was on the small Mercedes stand at the 1954 Paris Motor Show. Its very low lines, silver paint and gullwing doors grabbed the eye. The latter had been seen on the cars that won the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours. The Gullwing, a luxury touring car, became the stuff of dreams.
3.000 cc
6 in-line
Paris Motor Show Cars at the Grand Palais, until 1961
Presented by Historic Cars
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
France - Frankrijk
June 2019
Car: Mercedes-Benz 300SL-24.
Engine: 2960cc in-line 6.
Power: 187 BHP.
Year of manufacture: 1992.
Date of first registration in the UK: 19th May 1992.
Place of registration: Not known.
Date of last MOT: 14th December 2023.
Mileage at last MOT: 63,097.
Date of last V5 issued: 16th May 2013.
Date taken: 1st June 2024.
R129
Lady Diana Spencer
4.973 cc
V8
326 PS
450 Nm
Vmax : 250 km/h
Techno Classica 2012
Essen
Deutschland - Germany
March 2012
The fabulous Mercedes SL-Class sports cars started in the early fifties.
This 3rd generation SL-Class was divided in the R107 Convertible and the C107 Coupé (also called SLC).
This 3rd Gen. SL-Class was designed by Joseph Gallitzendörfer and Friedrich Geiger.
The R107/C107 series started with the 350 SL. After a few years more different displacement choices became available.
The original colour used to be grey.
2746 cc 6 cylinder engine.
1500 kg.
Production Mercedes SL-Class: 1954-present.
Production SL-Class 2nd generation W113: 1963-1971.
Production W113 280 SL: 1974-1985.
Original first reg. number: March 15, 1977.
New Dutch semi-historical reg. number: April 28, 2016.
Vehicle is exported after May 29, 2017.
Near Alphen aan de Rijn, Motorway N11, June 25, 2016.
© 2016 Sander Toonen Amsterdam | All Rights Reserved
The C107/R107 Series was introduced in April 1971, and designed by Joseph Gallitzendörfer and Friedrich Geiger in 1968.
R107 stands for the convertible version. It was manufactured a few years longer than the C107 coupé version.
4520 cc 8 cylinder engine.
1622 kg.
Production Mercedes C107/R107: April 1971-1989.
Production this C107 450 SLC: 1972 (in US) / March 1973 (Europe)-1980.
Original first reg. number: Febr. 2, 1979.
New Dutch reg. number: Oct. 12, 2007 (still valid, May 2021).
Same owner since then.
Amsterdam-Zuid, Hoofddorppleinbuurt, Albert Neuhuysstraat, Sept. 19, 2016.
© 2016 Sander Toonen, Halfweg / All Rights Reserved
W198
2.996 cc
6 In-line
215 pk
Van Mossel Museum
Jan Vestersstraat 1
Waalwijk
Nederland - Netherlands
May 2024
W198
2.996 cc
6 In-line
215 pk
Van Mossel Museum
Jan Vestersstraat 1
Waalwijk
Nederland - Netherlands
May 2024
W198
1954 - 1957
3,0 Liter
6 in-line
215 PS
Vmax : 225 km/h
Designer : Friedrich Geiger (1907 - 1996) & Karl Wildert (1907 - 1976)
PS : Ich liebe dich
Sportwagen-Design der 1950er bis 1970er Jahre
27.09.2018 - 10.02.2019
Kunstpalast
Düsseldorf
Deutschland - Germany
January 2019
W194
Chassis n° 2
2.996 cc
6 in-line
170 PS
254 Nm
Vmax : 230 km/h
Techno Classica 2012
Essen
Deutschland - Germany
March 2012
1955 - 1963
The 190 SL was one of the dream cars of the 1950s from Mercedes. It was based on the engineering of the three-box body sedans and, stylistically, presented itself as the 'little brother' of the 300 SL. The owners of the sporty convertible included the Ismaili ruler Karim Aga Khan, actresses Grace Kelly, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Gina Lollobrigida, and authoress Françoise Sagan.
1.897 cc
4 Cylinder
105 PS @ 5.700 rpm
Vmax : 171 km/h
25.881 ex.
Mercedes-Benz Museum
Mercedesstraße 100
Stuttgart
Deutschland - Germany
December 2013 / July 2014
W113
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais 2020
Bonhams
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 90.000 - 120.000
Unsold
Finished in its original colour combination of Dark Red with Charcoal Black MB-Tex trim and matching mohair hood, this beautiful 'Pagoda' was built in left-hand drive configuration and ordered with factory options including automatic transmission, power steering, and air conditioning. The Mercedes was delivered new to the USA where it was acquired by the current vendor. Since its arrival in the UK in March 2019 the car has undergone substantial refurbishment, benefiting from new OEM-specification carpets, fully refurbished woodwork, and the installation of a brand new mohair convertible hood. Upon returning to the vendor's own workshop, the SL was extensively detailed and fitted with new shock absorbers. The car has also been repainted and the brightwork re-chromed. The final finish has now been completed and the Mercedes stands proudly on its whitewall tyres, awaiting its new owner.
The SL Pagoda series has always been very popular. With the 'Pagoda' hardtop fitted this SL looks outstanding and with it removed the car is superbly proportioned. Boasting disc brakes, fuel injection and the (optional) power steering, as in this case, these cars are effortless to drive and have stood the test of time. Beautiful examples such as this one are highly sought after and hard to find.
W113
2.306 cc
6 in-line
150 PS
196 Nm
Vmax : 200 km/h
Techno Classica 2012
Essen
Deutschland - Germany
March 2012
W198 II
2.996 cc
6 in-line
190 hp
Class XIII : Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Zoute Concours d'Elegance
Royal Zoute Golf Club
Zoute Grand Prix 2022
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2022
W113
Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 85.000 - 125.000
Sold for € 161.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2021
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2021
"Some cars don't change, they just get better. The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, latest version of a line that began as the 230 SL in 1963, is the same as ever, just better," concluded Road & Track after testing a 280 SL in 1968. "For those who value engineering finesse and high-quality construction, it's alone in the field," enthused the highly respected American motoring magazine. At the same time, its manufacturer considered the 280 SL "a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense" and "a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz saloon naturally)".
These attributes help explain the 280 SL's phenomenal success, particularly in the all-important North American market, where the optional automatic transmission was considered an essential feature by the majority of customers. The fact that it looked like 'sex on wheels' helped enormously too, of course. In addition, the 280 SL's essential user-friendliness broadened its appeal beyond the traditional sports car-enthusiast market, and many celebrities and film stars owned 280 SLs.
The last of a popular and highly successful line began with the 230 SL of 1963; the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in 1967, powered by a new 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine that produced 180bhp, 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250 SL's. The 280 SL's 200km/h top speed was not more significant, but it was remarkably quicker off the mark. Its 0-100km/h time of 10 seconds is a whole second better than its predecessor's.
Autocar was full of praise for the 280 SL's effortless performance: "Those going abroad will be pleased to know that the 280 SL can sustain 160km/h with ease and still have a good bit in hand for surging up to 192km/h when traffic and conditions permit. All the time, the engine is smooth, and it has a sweet song to its exhaust note, which starts as a deep throb and builds up to a busy hum at maximum revs."
Christened 'Pagoda' after their distinctive cabin shape - devised by French designer and classic car enthusiast Paul Bracq - these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers and today remain highly sought after by collectors.
This superb manual transmission 280 SL Pagoda was ordered new by Mr John I. Clark from Winsconsin, USA, in April 1971 as a European delivery including US equipment from the Mercedes Factory in Sindelfingen for the total price of $7731 (invoice on file). Ordered in April 1971 in Germany, this Pagoda was registered in 1972 in the US for the first time and is believed to have stayed with its first owner for over 40 years. According to the US-Title, the 280SL remained with the Clark family until shortly after Mr. John I. Clark's death in 2014. After its return to Europe in 2016, this Pagoda has been converted to European specification with the correct headlights, taillights, speedometer, etc. Furthermore, it benefits from a complete, no-expense-spared restoration carried out in Belgium between September 2017 and September 2018 by renowned marque specialists, Top Classics. The car has been refinished in its original and highly desirable exterior colour of Dark Blue (904). The interior has been fully re-trimmed in contrasting natural leather (originally black) and features luxurious bouclé carpeting. The black Sonnenland three-layer soft-top is new, while additional insulation in the doors and floor make for an enhanced and more comfortable driving experience.
Once the car had been dismantled, the bodyshell was sand-blasted and any areas of corrosion repaired before applying the first coat of epoxy primer. The suspension and rear axle were overhauled and powder-coated, and new shock absorbers fitted all around. The braking system was renewed in its entirety, including the handbrake mechanism and a completely new fuel system installed (tank, pump, fuel lines, etc.). The exhaust system is new throughout. The original engine and gearbox likewise have been completely overhauled, a new cylinder head was installed at the same time we've been advised. All the brightwork has been re-chromed to the highest standard, while new colour-matched wheels shod with whitewall tyres complete the picture. The whole process has been nicely documented in the car's file together with some older correspondence, invoices including the original purchase invoice from new, MB-Datenkart. The car comes with the old US title dated 1972 from its first owner and current Belgian registration documents as well as recent technical inspection. An exceptionally well-restored Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda' with hardtop presented in beautiful condition and hardly 650 kms driven since its extensive restoration.
See more car pics on my facebook page!
- - -
The Triumph Stag is a British car sold between 1970 and 1978 by the Triumph Motor Company, styled by Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.
Envisioned as a luxury sports car, the Triumph Stag was designed to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz SLclass models. All Stags were four-seater convertible coupés, but for structural rigidity – and to meet new American rollover standards of the time – the Stag required a B-pillar "roll bar" hoop connected to the windscreen frame by a T-bar. A removable hardtop was a popular factory option for the early Stags, and was later supplied as a standard fitment.
The car started as a styling experiment cut and shaped from a 1963–4 Triumph 2000 pre-production saloon, which had also been styled by Michelotti, and loaned to him by Harry Webster, Director of Engineering at Triumph. Their agreement was that if Webster liked the design, Triumph could use the prototype as the basis of a new Triumph model. Harry Webster, who was a long time friend of Giovanni Michelotti, whom he called "Micho", absolutely loved the design and spirited the prototype back to England. The end result, a two-door drop head (convertible), had little in common with the styling of its progenitor 2000, but retained the suspension and drive line. Triumph liked the Michelotti design so much that they propagated the styling lines of the Stag into the new T2000/T2500 saloon and estate model lines of the 1970s.
The initial Stag design was based around the saloon's 2.5-litre six cylinder engine, but Harry Webster intended the Stag, large saloons and estate cars to use a new Triumph-designed overhead cam (OHC) 2.5-litre fuel injected (PI) V8. Under the direction of Harry Webster's successor, Spen King in 1968, the new Triumph OHC 2.5 PI V8 was enlarged to 2997 cc (3.0 litres) to increase torque. To meet emission standards in the USA, a key target market, the troublesome mechanical fuel injection was dropped in favour of dual Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE carburettors. A key aim of Triumph's engineering strategy at the time was to create a family of engines of different size around a common crankshaft. This would enable the production of power plants of capacity between 1.5 and 4 litres, sharing many parts, and hence offering economies of manufacturing scale and of mechanic training. A number of iterations of this design went into production, notably a slant four-cylinder engine used in the later Triumph Dolomite and Triumph TR7, and a variant manufactured by StanPart that was initially used in the Saab 99. The Stag's V8 was the first of these engines into production. Sometimes described as two four-cylinder engines Siamesed together, it is more correct to say that the later four-cylinder versions were half a Stag engine (the left half).
(Wikipedia)
W198 II
2.996 cc
6 in-line
Class XIII : Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Zoute Concours d'Elegance
Royal Zoute Golf Club
Zoute Grand Prix 2022
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2022
W198-II
2.996 cc
6 in-line
215 PS
275 Nm
Vmax : 250 km/h
Techno Classica 2012
Essen
Deutschland - Germany
March 2012
W113
Zoute Sale - Bonhams
Estimated : € 85.000 - 125.000
Sold for € 161.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2021
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2021
"Some cars don't change, they just get better. The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, latest version of a line that began as the 230 SL in 1963, is the same as ever, just better," concluded Road & Track after testing a 280 SL in 1968. "For those who value engineering finesse and high-quality construction, it's alone in the field," enthused the highly respected American motoring magazine. At the same time, its manufacturer considered the 280 SL "a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense" and "a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz saloon naturally)".
These attributes help explain the 280 SL's phenomenal success, particularly in the all-important North American market, where the optional automatic transmission was considered an essential feature by the majority of customers. The fact that it looked like 'sex on wheels' helped enormously too, of course. In addition, the 280 SL's essential user-friendliness broadened its appeal beyond the traditional sports car-enthusiast market, and many celebrities and film stars owned 280 SLs.
The last of a popular and highly successful line began with the 230 SL of 1963; the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in 1967, powered by a new 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine that produced 180bhp, 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250 SL's. The 280 SL's 200km/h top speed was not more significant, but it was remarkably quicker off the mark. Its 0-100km/h time of 10 seconds is a whole second better than its predecessor's.
Autocar was full of praise for the 280 SL's effortless performance: "Those going abroad will be pleased to know that the 280 SL can sustain 160km/h with ease and still have a good bit in hand for surging up to 192km/h when traffic and conditions permit. All the time, the engine is smooth, and it has a sweet song to its exhaust note, which starts as a deep throb and builds up to a busy hum at maximum revs."
Christened 'Pagoda' after their distinctive cabin shape - devised by French designer and classic car enthusiast Paul Bracq - these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers and today remain highly sought after by collectors.
This superb manual transmission 280 SL Pagoda was ordered new by Mr John I. Clark from Winsconsin, USA, in April 1971 as a European delivery including US equipment from the Mercedes Factory in Sindelfingen for the total price of $7731 (invoice on file). Ordered in April 1971 in Germany, this Pagoda was registered in 1972 in the US for the first time and is believed to have stayed with its first owner for over 40 years. According to the US-Title, the 280SL remained with the Clark family until shortly after Mr. John I. Clark's death in 2014. After its return to Europe in 2016, this Pagoda has been converted to European specification with the correct headlights, taillights, speedometer, etc. Furthermore, it benefits from a complete, no-expense-spared restoration carried out in Belgium between September 2017 and September 2018 by renowned marque specialists, Top Classics. The car has been refinished in its original and highly desirable exterior colour of Dark Blue (904). The interior has been fully re-trimmed in contrasting natural leather (originally black) and features luxurious bouclé carpeting. The black Sonnenland three-layer soft-top is new, while additional insulation in the doors and floor make for an enhanced and more comfortable driving experience.
Once the car had been dismantled, the bodyshell was sand-blasted and any areas of corrosion repaired before applying the first coat of epoxy primer. The suspension and rear axle were overhauled and powder-coated, and new shock absorbers fitted all around. The braking system was renewed in its entirety, including the handbrake mechanism and a completely new fuel system installed (tank, pump, fuel lines, etc.). The exhaust system is new throughout. The original engine and gearbox likewise have been completely overhauled, a new cylinder head was installed at the same time we've been advised. All the brightwork has been re-chromed to the highest standard, while new colour-matched wheels shod with whitewall tyres complete the picture. The whole process has been nicely documented in the car's file together with some older correspondence, invoices including the original purchase invoice from new, MB-Datenkart. The car comes with the old US title dated 1972 from its first owner and current Belgian registration documents as well as recent technical inspection. An exceptionally well-restored Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda' with hardtop presented in beautiful condition and hardly 650 kms driven since its extensive restoration.
W198
Chassis n° 198.040.4500034
RM Sotheby's
Place Vauban
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 800.000 - 1.200.000
Sold for € 1.073.750
This early Gullwing benefits from a fascinating history and retains its matching-numbers chassis, engine, and body. Thanks to research compiled by 300 SL historian Eric Le Moine and Björn Tiedemann, the rich history of this early Gullwing, chassis no. 4500034, has finally been uncovered. The first 300 SL delivered to Sweden, this car was amongst the earliest Gullwings delivered to a private customer. It was finished in silver paint over an interior of Tissu blue (L1), the iconic blue leather with plaid fabric inserts, before being distributed in late October 1954 to Philipsons Automobil in Stockholm.
Its first owner was Olle Perssons, and the car was registered W 32800 in January 1955. Mr Perssons entered the Mercedes-Benz in numerous races, including the Rally of the Midnight Sun and the 1955 Helsinki Grand Prix. That same year, Perssons set a Swedish ice record with the Gullwing on Lake Varpen, achieving 188.8 km/h. Later that year Perssons purchased a second Mercedes-Benz that became his primary racing car.
By the winter of 1956, Perssons sold the Gullwing to Sölve Relve of Gothenburg, who registered the car in early December 1956 as O 72706. Chassis no. 4500034’s third owner was Harry Tilgmann, also of Gothenburg, who purchased the car from Sölve Relve’s estate following Relve’s tragic passing in a car accident. The car was painted ivory, and at one point it was involved in a road accident in the late 1960s in his ownership and was shipped to Germany to be rebuilt.
In 1972 the Gullwing was exported out of Sweden by David Piper along with the Ferrari 750 Monza chassis no. 0500M and sold directly Hans Hürlimann of Wil, Switzerland. Four years later it returned to Sweden when it was purchased by Fleming Uziel, who used the car in events in both his native Sweden and Germany. Uziel owned the car until 1989, when it passed to Kjell and Mirre Gustafsson of Gothenburg, who owned the car for four years.
Returning to Germany, the Gullwing successively passed through the collections of two German enthusiasts, initially Guenter Kalthoff of Grainau, and then Hans Kleissl of Polling, a principal of HK Engineering (where the car was comprehensively restored during the 1990s). Afterwards, it participated in the Mille Miglia Storico on two separate occasions. In late 2012, the Gullwing was acquired by its current owner, a collector in the UK who commissioned a freshening that included the installation of new wheel cylinders, a new under-tray set, and a new gearbox.
Thanks to extensive research, chassis no. 4500034 is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating Gullwings offered in recent memory and would be a thrilling addition to any collection.
Car: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
Years of manufacture: 1986.
Date of first registration in the UK: 9th May 1986.
Place of registration: London Central.
Date of last MOT: 21st December 2021.
Mileage at last MOT: 105,260.
Date of last V5 issued: 20th September 2021.
Date taken: 17th April 2022.
Location: Beach Lawns, Weston-Super-Mare, UK.
W198-II
Mercedes SL - History and Evolution of a Legend
Presented by Thierry Halff
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
France - Frankrijk
September 2024
R230
Chassis n° WDB2304791F159976
5.980 cc
V12
Metropole Classic Cars
Meubellaan 1
Druten
Nederland - Netherlands
June 2021
W198
2.996 cc
6 Cylinder
215 PS
Vmax : 220 km/h
1.400 ex.
87th Geneva International Motor Show
Internationaler Auto-Salon Genf
Suisse - Schweiz - Switzerland
Maart 2017
W198
Chassis n° 198.040.4500034
RM Sotheby's
Place Vauban
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 800.000 - 1.200.000
Sold for € 1.073.750
This early Gullwing benefits from a fascinating history and retains its matching-numbers chassis, engine, and body. Thanks to research compiled by 300 SL historian Eric Le Moine and Björn Tiedemann, the rich history of this early Gullwing, chassis no. 4500034, has finally been uncovered. The first 300 SL delivered to Sweden, this car was amongst the earliest Gullwings delivered to a private customer. It was finished in silver paint over an interior of Tissu blue (L1), the iconic blue leather with plaid fabric inserts, before being distributed in late October 1954 to Philipsons Automobil in Stockholm.
Its first owner was Olle Perssons, and the car was registered W 32800 in January 1955. Mr Perssons entered the Mercedes-Benz in numerous races, including the Rally of the Midnight Sun and the 1955 Helsinki Grand Prix. That same year, Perssons set a Swedish ice record with the Gullwing on Lake Varpen, achieving 188.8 km/h. Later that year Perssons purchased a second Mercedes-Benz that became his primary racing car.
By the winter of 1956, Perssons sold the Gullwing to Sölve Relve of Gothenburg, who registered the car in early December 1956 as O 72706. Chassis no. 4500034’s third owner was Harry Tilgmann, also of Gothenburg, who purchased the car from Sölve Relve’s estate following Relve’s tragic passing in a car accident. The car was painted ivory, and at one point it was involved in a road accident in the late 1960s in his ownership and was shipped to Germany to be rebuilt.
In 1972 the Gullwing was exported out of Sweden by David Piper along with the Ferrari 750 Monza chassis no. 0500M and sold directly Hans Hürlimann of Wil, Switzerland. Four years later it returned to Sweden when it was purchased by Fleming Uziel, who used the car in events in both his native Sweden and Germany. Uziel owned the car until 1989, when it passed to Kjell and Mirre Gustafsson of Gothenburg, who owned the car for four years.
Returning to Germany, the Gullwing successively passed through the collections of two German enthusiasts, initially Guenter Kalthoff of Grainau, and then Hans Kleissl of Polling, a principal of HK Engineering (where the car was comprehensively restored during the 1990s). Afterwards, it participated in the Mille Miglia Storico on two separate occasions. In late 2012, the Gullwing was acquired by its current owner, a collector in the UK who commissioned a freshening that included the installation of new wheel cylinders, a new under-tray set, and a new gearbox.
Thanks to extensive research, chassis no. 4500034 is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating Gullwings offered in recent memory and would be a thrilling addition to any collection.
R230
Chassis n° WDB2304791F159976
5.980 cc
V12
Metropole Classic Cars
Meubellaan 1
Druten
Nederland - Netherlands
June 2021
W198-II
Bonhams : the Zoute Sale
Estimated : € 950.000 - 1.150.000
Sold for € 1.035.000
Zoute Grand Prix 2019
Knokke - Zoute
België - Belgium
October 2019
Created to spearhead Mercedes-Benz's return to competition in the post-war era, the 300 SL debuted in the 1952 Mille Miglia, finishing 2nd and 4th overall. Wins in the Carrera Pan-Americana and at Le Mans followed, and the 300 SL was on its way to becoming part of motor sporting legend. Max Hoffman, the Mercedes-Benz importer for North America, believed there would be a market for a road-going version and managed to convince the factory that such a car would be a success.
The first racers were open-topped but before the '52 season's end the distinctive 'Gullwing' doored Coupé had appeared. Unusually high sills were a feature of the multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, and while access was not a problem of the open car, the adoption of coupé bodywork required innovative thinking - hence the Gullwing doors.
Launched in 1954, the production 300 SL retained the spaceframe chassis of the racer and was powered by a 2,996cc, overhead-camshaft, inline six canted at 45 degrees to achieve a lower, more aerodynamic bonnet line. Using innovative direct fuel injection, this state-of-the-art power unit produced 215bhp at 5,800rpm. A four-speed gearbox transmitted power to the hypoid bevel rear axle. Suspension was independent all round by wishbones and coil springs at the front, with swing axles and coil springs at the rear.
Tested by the highly respected American magazine Road & Track in 1955, the 300 SL accelerated from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, going on to achieve a top speed of 140mph: outstanding figures for its day. It was, arguably, the world's first supercar. Half expecting the long-awaited 300 SL to provide an anti-climax, R&T were delighted to find the new car, "far beyond our wildest expectations. In fact, we can state unequivocally that in our opinion the 300 SL coupé is the ultimate in an all-round sportscar. It combines more desirable features in one streamlined package than we ever imagined or hoped would be possible. Performance? It accelerates from a dead start to 100mph in just over 17 seconds. Dual purpose? A production model 300 SL can make a very acceptable showing in any type of sportscar competition. Yet the car is extremely tractable and easy to drive in traffic. Comfort? The fully enclosed 300 SL is the most comfortable (and safe) high-speed 'cross-country' car built today." Its racing parentage notwithstanding, the 300 SL was and remains a thoroughly practical automobile, as civilised in city driving as it is exhilarating on the highway.
Clearly the 300 SL Coupé would be a hard act to follow yet the Roadster version, introduced just three years later, succeeded in bettering its closed cousin's already exemplary road manners. Built with conventional doors, the 300 SL Roadster was first exhibited at the Geneva Salon in May 1957 and was an immediate hit with the 1950s 'Jet Set' of royalty, actors, and socialites. The production of an open 300 SL involved altering the cockpit area, where the spaceframe was redesigned to permit lower sills for improved access. At the same time the rear suspension was changed to incorporate low-pivot swing axles. Disc brakes were standardised from March 1961, while towards the end of production a small batch of Roadsters was completed with an aluminium cylinder block.
The Roadster's neutral steering characteristics received fulsome praise from Road & Track in its 1958 road test. "With the low-pivot rear suspension and more adhesive tyres, the car handles beautifully under all conditions. This is a tremendous improvement over the hardtop models, which had a tendency to oversteer rather violently if pressed too hard." A 0-60mph time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 130mph were recorded, making the 300 SL Roadster one of the fastest convertibles of its time. R&T concluded: "There is no doubt that the 300 SL roadster is a truly great dual-purpose sports car, equally at home in traffic and the open road, or on the track", words that remain equally true today.
The 300 SL Roadster sold well for a car that cost more than a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder and would out-live the 300 SL Coupé, which ceased production in 1957, by several years. Roadster production ceased in 1963 after 1,858 cars had been built, and today the model is both rare and highly sought after.
The 152nd car built, this 300 SL Roadster was completed before May 1957 and thus is eligible for the Mille Miglia. Its original colour scheme was white with a blue interior. Delivered new to Cannes, France, the car belonged to its first owner from 1957 to 1968, covering some 24,000 kilometres in that time, while the second owner cherished it for almost 40 years. The car has had only one owner since then. The second owner was Mr Leon Martin of Mallemort, Bouches-du-Rhône, a connoisseur and collector of exclusive automobiles, who only parting with the Mercedes in 2006 when he sold it to Mr Karl Esdar of Bielefeld, Germany. For 40 years the Mercedes was registered in France as '2994 BY 13', and the original French Carte Grise is still with the car.
Although the car was in good original condition, with no rust or other body issues, Mr Esdar, a renowned 300 SL specialist, decided to undertake as concours standard restoration, which took two years to complete and cost in the region of €250,000. On dismantling the car, he found that the body had been perfectly preserved and thus was an excellent candidate for restoration. It was stripped back to the tubular chassis and every panel painted prior to re-assembly. All mechanical components were inspected and refurbished before being reassembled, while the interior was re-trimmed throughout in high quality leather.
The restoration was undertaken with faultless attention to detail and stunning results, making this 300 SL Roadster one of the best of its kind surviving. '152' retains all of its original mechanical components with matching numbers, including the engine, transmission, and differential. Only some 7,000 kilometres have been covered since the rebuild's completion and, needless to say, this wonderful Mercedes-Benz runs beautifully. There was no adverse finding when the car was submitted for its German TüV.
This 300 SL comes with its original tools and jack, a bespoke set of luggage, owner's instruction manuals, and full documentation including invoices and restoration photographs. Presented in outstanding condition, it represents a not-to-be-missed opportunity for the serious collector. An exceptional example of the iconic 300 SL in Roadster form, this highly desirable motor car would make an exhilarating yet extremely practical touring companion. Indeed, there cannot be many better ways of travelling to a classic event, taking part, and driving home.
W113
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais 2020
Bonhams
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 90.000 - 120.000
Unsold
Finished in its original colour combination of Dark Red with Charcoal Black MB-Tex trim and matching mohair hood, this beautiful 'Pagoda' was built in left-hand drive configuration and ordered with factory options including automatic transmission, power steering, and air conditioning. The Mercedes was delivered new to the USA where it was acquired by the current vendor. Since its arrival in the UK in March 2019 the car has undergone substantial refurbishment, benefiting from new OEM-specification carpets, fully refurbished woodwork, and the installation of a brand new mohair convertible hood. Upon returning to the vendor's own workshop, the SL was extensively detailed and fitted with new shock absorbers. The car has also been repainted and the brightwork re-chromed. The final finish has now been completed and the Mercedes stands proudly on its whitewall tyres, awaiting its new owner.
The SL Pagoda series has always been very popular. With the 'Pagoda' hardtop fitted this SL looks outstanding and with it removed the car is superbly proportioned. Boasting disc brakes, fuel injection and the (optional) power steering, as in this case, these cars are effortless to drive and have stood the test of time. Beautiful examples such as this one are highly sought after and hard to find.