Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty firm, is thrilled to supply an thrilling assortment of over 100 collectible automobiles supplied totally with out reserve—together with a few of the most fascinating American, European, and British pre- and post-Conflict 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 automotive developed by Daimler-Benz after World Conflict II, due to Max Hoffman, an Austrian-American; the official importer of Mercedes-Benz within the U.S. The 300 SL was based mostly on the Mercedes 1952 racing automotive, that includes a most distinctive component: gullwing doorways. These have been a necessity because of the automotive’s tubular house body, which was engineered too excessive for typical 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 duplicate of the unique Knowledge Card reveals that it was assigned chassis quantity 5500429, the automotive accomplished manufacturing on 20 June 1955 in Graphite Gray (DB190), considered one of simply 61 automobiles to obtain this end for the 1955 mannequin yr. Providing a splendid distinction, the inside was specified with Crimson leather-based (1079). The Gullwing Group Registry lists the consignee as Mercedes-Benz Distributors, Inc. of New York, with manufacturing unit remarks exhibiting the automotive as a particular order.
Moreover, the Gullwing Group Registry lists the automotive as having three homeowners within the San Francsico Bay area by means of 1989. The automotive is then reported to have been owned by John Jay Moores, former proprietor of the San Diego Padres. Underneath his path, the automotive acquired a complete restoration by the acclaimed Hjeltness Restorations of Escondido, California. In the course of the restoration, the Gullwing’s livery was modified to its current uncommon shade of Strawberry Crimson Metallic (DB543) over a Pure leather-based (1068) inside.
In the course of the complete, body-off restoration, nearly no side of the automotive was ignored. Consideration to element is clear all through the automotive, 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 closing element of this fabulous restoration. Following the restoration, famous collector Sid Craig acquired the automotive. His partner, Jenny Craig, bought it from their assortment after his passing in late 2008. The Academy of Artwork College Assortment then acquired the automotive in 2009, the place it has remained on show for college kids and the general public alike for the previous 15 years.
Given the restoration’s age, the standard is really obvious because the automotive presents itself superbly in the present day. With its vibrant Strawberry Crimson Metallic bodywork, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe supplied by Broad Arrow is certain to attract consideration anyplace this actually eye-catching touring automotive could go.
To view extra thrilling automobiles on supply 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.
