One more, ultra rare example of 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, the 20th of 29 alloy-bodied examples built by the factory, could achieve a new record for this car, when goes under the hammer at RM Auctions’ annual sale in London on 31st October. With its estimated price of £2,5 Million-£3,2 Million ($4 Million-$5,2 Million), this example with chassis number 198043-5500786, could break the previous record, achieved at Gooding & Company’s 2012 Scottsdale, Ariz. auction when another alloy-bodied example from 1955 sold for $4.62 million, about which we have written earlier this year.
This car was originally delivered new to a Swiss industrialist, finished in white with red leather interior. The car now sports a much-admired silver exterior with red leather interior. RM says, “This exquisitely restored car is a dream opportunity for serious, discerning collectors who value the car’s rarity, exclusivity, and wonderful competition-bred driving dynamics and enhanced performance.”
The 300SL’s engine was the same 3.0 litre inline-six found in the four-door 300 sedan. It was canted at a 45-degree angle to the left to allow for the Gullwing’s lower hoodline. Fitted with mechanical gasoline direct injection from Bosch, it produced 212 hp – almost double that of the original carbureted version’s 115 hp.
Among 90 cars and motorcycles to be offered at the RM Auctions London 2012 sale, also single out: an alloy-bodied 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Berlinetta Tour de France, chassis 1335GT, Estimate: £1,8 Million–£2,4 Million ($2,9 Million-3,9 Million); 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Ellena Coupe, Estimate: £250,000–£320,000 ($407,000-$520,000); a 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, Estimate: £240,000–£300,000 ($390,000-$488,000); a superbly restored 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS, Estimate: £350,000–£400,000 ($570,000-$651,000); 1952 Bentley Continental R-Type Fastback Sports Saloon, Estimate: £575,000–£675,000 ($936,000-$1,1 Million) and 1932 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Drophead Coupe, £275,000–£375,000 ($448,000-$610,000).
