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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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
W113
This model, with in-house code W113, was designed by the Frenchman Paul Bracq. It is commonly known as the "Pagoda" due to the slightly concave shape of its hardtop. It was the first sportscar fitted with crumple zones, as previously introduced on the W110 "Heckflosse". The model was produced from 1963 to 1971 in 3 different versions : the 230 SL (1963-1967), the 250 SL (1966-1968) and the 280 SL (1967-1971). The model designation refers to the engine displacement. A total of 48.912 units were produced.
2.308 cc
6 In-line
150 hp
Mercedes - The Story of the Star
19/09/2025 - 22/02/2026
Autoworld
Brussels - Belgium
February 2026
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
R129
Lady Diana Spencer
4.973 cc
V8
326 PS
450 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
R230
Chassis n° WDB2304791F159976
5.980 cc
V12
Metropole Classic Cars
Meubellaan 1
Druten
Nederland - Netherlands
June 2021
R230
Chassis n° WDB2304791F159976
5.980 cc
V12
Metropole Classic Cars
Meubellaan 1
Druten
Nederland - Netherlands
June 2021
W113
2.306 cc
6 in-line
150 PS
196 Nm
Vmax : 200 km/h
Techno Classica 2012
Essen
Deutschland - Germany
March 2012
W198
2.996 cc
6 In-line
215 pk
Van Mossel Museum
Jan Vestersstraat 1
Waalwijk
Nederland - Netherlands
May 2024
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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
'When it was first announced by Mercedes-Benz, the production 300 SL Coupé was a startling car built to the German concern's customarily startling standards, but above all what left the general public most open-mouthed about the new car was its upward-opening Gullwing doors...!' - Motors, 1963.
Mercedes-Benz returned to post-war competition in 1952, fielding two of its new 300 SL (W194) sports cars in the Mille Miglia. The pair finishing a creditable 2nd and 4th overall in this most difficult of events and this promising start was followed up by a win in the challenging Carrera Panamericana. The works first raced the 300 SL (Sport Leicht) in open form, but for the Le Mans 24-Hour Race in June a trio of 'Gullwing'-doored coupés was entered. High sills were a feature of the multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, and while access was not a problem of the open car, the coupé bodywork required innovative thinking - hence the Gullwing doors. Karl Kling and Hans Klenk duly brought their 'Silver Arrow' home in first place and the 300 SL was on its way to becoming part of motor sporting legend.
Launched in August 1954, the production 300 SL retained the spaceframe chassis and lightweight aluminium-alloy bodywork of the W194 racer while its mechanical underpinnings, like the latter's, owed much to the contemporary Mercedes-Benz 300 luxury saloon. A 2.996 cc overhead-camshaft inline six, the 300 SL's engine was canted at 45 degrees to achieve a low bonnet line and produced 215 bhp (DIN) at 5.800 rpm using Bosch mechanical fuel injection. A four-speed, all-synchromesh manual 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.
A production 300 SL (W198) was tested by Road & Track magazine in 1955, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 7,4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 140mph. 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 300SL 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.'
A 300 SL roadster featuring conventional doors was first exhibited at the Geneva Salon in May 1957 and, although built in greater numbers, has never matched the immortal Gullwing for desirability. Its racing parentage notwithstanding, the 300 SL remains a thoroughly practical car, as civilised in city traffic as it is exhilarating on the autostrada. By the time 300 SL Coupé production ceased in 1957, some 1.400 examples had found customers. Today the model is both rare and most sought after by connoisseurs of fine automobiles.
One of 867 'Gullwing' coupés built in 1955, this example was delivered new to Mercedes-Benz Distributors Inc of New York, USA in November of that year. According to the 300 SL Registry (copy record on file), chassis number '823' was originally finished in light green metallic with red leather interior, a rare combination. The Register extract confirms matching chassis/engine numbers and states that this car was built with a 3,25:1 ratio rear axle - rare for a US-delivered Gullwing - which reduces engine revs and makes the car more comfortable to drive at high speeds. It is believed that this axle is the 'Special Order' referred to in the Register records. In order, the owners listed are Lawrence T Lee of Stafford Springs, Connecticut; Stephen R Narans of Denver, Colorado; and Eric Eichler of Malvern, Pennsylvania. The car spent its life with these three owners for its first 45 years.
The immediately preceding owner, Mrs Suzanna Navarro, bought the Gullwing in 2000 and brought it to Naples (Florida) for a full restoration. The rebuild took four years to complete, and in 2004 the finished car was sold to the current Dutch owner, who brought it to Holland in 2005. At that time (2005) the odometer reading was 2.800 miles (post-restoration). In the current owner's possession for 11 years, the Gullwing has covered only some 3.500 miles in that time, making the total since restoration circa 6.300 miles. In 2015, the engine was totally overhauled at a cost of €13,342 (see notes and photographs on file). While in the current owner's possession, the Gullwing won its class at the 2011 Schloss Dyck Concours d'Élégance.
This car has been inspected by Mr Benny Valkenburg, the leading 300 SL authority in Western Europe, who has confirmed its originality with respect to the chassis, body and engine (report on file). It is worthwhile noting that this Gullwing still has the standard gear lever, and not the lower, remote-linkage shifter fitted to many examples. The car comes with an instruction manual; the purchase invoice and some photographs dating from 2004; sundry invoices for minor works; German TüV paperwork; and a copy of the old US title in the name of Mercedes-Benz, Naples.
One of the Bonhams Motoring Department specialists has had the pleasure of driving this beautiful Gullwing, and is happy to confirm that it performed excellently with no faults noted; it responded eagerly to the throttle while the clutch, gearbox, and brakes all worked well – a truly memorable experience.
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Sold for € 1.016.666
Estimated : € 1.100.000 - 1.300.000
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2017
R129
RM Sotheby's
Place Vauban
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 150.000 - 200.000
Sold after auction (Highest bid : € 130.000)
This R129 SL began life as an elegantly understated 1998 SL 600 that was breathed upon by AMG Japan to become a supercar-rivalling brute that is offered for sale today. Under the bonnet the wonderful M120 V-12 engine was tuned and enlarged to 7.0 litres to produce a staggering 500 bhp, whilst the cabin was festooned with bespoke AMG carbon-fibre trim, an AMG instrument binnacle, and steering wheel. The exhaust system was also upgraded, whilst the hydraulic suspension was fettled to cope with the extra power.
Painted in the iconic Mercedes colour of Brilliant Silver, with extended grey nappa leather, this SL is offered in absolutely fantastic condition throughout, belying its age and mileage. Its Japanese service book is also comprehensively stamped and demonstrates a lifetime of pampering and care with metronomic annual servicing. The car has been regularly serviced in Switzerland, as well. The Bruno Sacco–designed R129 model is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and this is being reflected in appreciating values. This extremely rare example is quite simply one of the ultimate incarnations of the model and would make a fine addition to any collection.
W113
Mercedes-Benz SL - History and Evolution of a Legend
Presented by Anthony Pozner
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille
Château de Chantilly
Chantilly
France - Frankrijk
September 2024
R121
RM Sotheby's
Place Vauban
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 100.000 - 130.000
Sold for € 123.625
While little is known about the early life of this stunning Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, the Bill of Sale on file shows that in 1985 Robert Trudo acquired the car from Stanley Fitton. Trudo subsequently sold the 190 SL to Roy Fontaine of Visalia, California. Fontaine would own this car until 2013, when he sold it to Dennis B Teale, also of Visalia.
Throughout the early 1980s and into the 2010s, this 190 SL would undergo periodic maintenance, with invoices on file dating back to 1983. It wasn’t until it entered European ownership in 2013 that more care and attention would be lavished on the car, resulting in the stunning vehicle it is today. The car retains its original engine, which is currently fitted with reliable Weber carburettors. The original Solex carburettors accompany the car.
With a huge number of invoices detailing the work undertaken (at a cost in the tens of thousands of euros), it’s unsurprising that this 190 SL is immaculate and would be a perfect car in which to spend the summer months, driving with the roof down, of course.