Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty firm, is thrilled to supply an thrilling assortment of over 100 collectible automobiles supplied completely with out reserve—together with among the most fascinating American, European, and British pre- and post-Struggle cars ever produced on the Artwork Academy College Public sale this 15 February in San Francisco. Highlights embody this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe estimated at $1,200,000 – $1,500,000 and is obtainable with out reserve.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe was the primary true sports activities automobile developed by Daimler-Benz after World Struggle II, due to Max Hoffman, an Austrian-American; the official importer of Mercedes-Benz within the U.S. The 300 SL was primarily based on the Mercedes 1952 racing automobile, that includes a most distinctive component: gullwing doorways. These had been a necessity because of the automobile’s tubular house body, which was engineered too excessive for standard doorways. The streamlined physique additionally launched a number of improvements, together with Mercedes-Benz’s first use of direct gasoline injection, boosting output by 40 horsepower in comparison with the carbureted racing mannequin. The engine was tilted to make sure a low, aerodynamic profile. Weighing simply 2,866 kilos with spare tire and instruments, the brand new 300 SL supplied sensational, unheard-of efficiency.
With order quantity 668 064, this 300 SL started to take form in Sindelfingen. A replica of the unique Information Card exhibits that it was assigned chassis quantity 5500429, the automobile accomplished manufacturing on 20 June 1955 in Graphite Gray (DB190), one among simply 61 automobiles to obtain this end for the 1955 mannequin 12 months. Providing a splendid distinction, the inside was specified with Purple leather-based (1079). The Gullwing Group Registry lists the consignee as Mercedes-Benz Distributors, Inc. of New York, with manufacturing facility remarks exhibiting the automobile as a particular order.
Moreover, the Gullwing Group Registry lists the automobile as having three house owners within the San Francsico Bay area by means of 1989. The automobile is then reported to have been owned by John Jay Moores, former proprietor of the San Diego Padres. Beneath his path, the automobile acquired a complete restoration by the acclaimed Hjeltness Restorations of Escondido, California. Through the restoration, the Gullwing’s livery was modified to its current uncommon shade of Strawberry Purple Metallic (DB543) over a Pure leather-based (1068) inside.
Through the complete, body-off restoration, just about no side of the automobile was neglected. Consideration to element is obvious all through the automobile, with an acceptable set of stomach pans to the finely fitted inside. The set of two-piece sports activities wheels with chrome-plated barrels and polished aluminum facilities add a sporting contact with out the elevated weight from the Rudge knock-off wheels. A two-piece set of matching baggage was commissioned as a ultimate element of this fabulous restoration. Following the restoration, famous collector Sid Craig acquired the automobile. His partner, Jenny Craig, offered it from their assortment after his passing in late 2008. The Academy of Artwork College Assortment then acquired the automobile in 2009, the place it has remained on show for college students and the general public alike for the previous 15 years.
Given the restoration’s age, the standard is actually obvious because the automobile presents itself superbly immediately. With its vibrant Strawberry Purple Metallic bodywork, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe supplied by Broad Arrow is bound to attract consideration wherever this really eye-catching touring automobile might go.
To view extra thrilling automobiles on provide at Broad Arrow’s the Artwork Academy College Assortment Public sale, please go to their web site at broadarrowauctions.com and be sure you register to bid for this thrilling must-attend occasion.
