“The 300 SL is prophecy incarnate. It’s a pace-setter, a style-setter, a design conception that is bound to influence the world’s automotive industry for many years to come… Literally, the 300 SL is a car of the future that can be possessed today…it’s just about impossible to duplicate what the 300SL has to offer at any price.”
—Griff Borgeson, Sports Cars Illustrated, April 1956
To possess “the last” of any truly significant collectible is to hold something uniquely special. In the world of vintage automobiles, acquiring the final example of a prized model represents the culmination of automotive history, a tangible link to a bygone era of design, performance, and cultural impact. This is especially true for the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a vehicle that transcends mere transportation to become a symbol of automotive excellence.
Heralded as the “sportscar of the century,” the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Its breathtaking aesthetics, groundbreaking engineering, and exhilarating performance have solidified its place as the most iconic automobile ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. The “Last Gullwing,” the final example to leave the factory, embodies this legacy, offering its future owner an unparalleled connection to the victory, glamour, and sheer automotive greatness that defines the 300SL.
The “Sportscar of the Century”
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is more than just a car; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its impact extends far beyond the realm of motorsport, largely due to its relatively significant production numbers. Between 1954 and 1957, Mercedes-Benz manufactured 1,400 Gullwings, with many seeing action on racetracks around the globe.
Its distinctive design, born from the necessity of its lightweight spaceframe chassis—derived from the victorious W194 and W196 racing sports cars—made the road-going 300SL Gullwing instantly recognizable. It seemed to be everywhere, from Hollywood screens to European boulevards, from prestigious motor shows to the winner’s circle. Unlike many exclusive mid-century sports cars from Ferrari, BMW, and Jaguar, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing achieved iconic status through its remarkable ubiquity and presence in the global cultural landscape.
Racing Pedigree and Technological Advancement
The close technical and visual relationship to its racing sibling, the 300 SLR, further elevated the Mercedes-Benz 300SL‘s allure. While the Gullwing is often considered the “first supercar,” the 3.0-liter SLR was dubbed the “first hypercar,” capable of astonishing speeds exceeding 180 mph thanks to its magnesium body and 300-horsepower engine. In a testament to its unparalleled value, a 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold by RM Sotheby’s in 2022 for a record-breaking $142 million, solidifying its position as the most valuable car in history. This racing heritage is intrinsically linked to the DNA of the production Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL‘s success wasn’t confined to the racetrack. It frequently graced the pages of both sports and entertainment publications, becoming synonymous with socialites, business magnates, movie stars, and royalty. The Gullwing was also a canvas for individuality, offering owners a wide array of color combinations and factory options to personalize their vehicles.
Beyond its glamour, the technologically advanced 300SL earned countless victories in prestigious sports car races and rallies. Yet, perhaps its most remarkable achievement was its ability to blend world-beating performance with unparalleled elegance and desirability. It was, and remains, “a spacecraft on four wheels,” an automotive icon that transcends generations.
“The Last Gullwing” – A Unique Piece of History
On May 15, 1957, Mercedes-Benz completed chassis number 7500079. This car, “The Last Gullwing,” represents the definitive end to the production of Mercedes-Benz’s most celebrated model, a car whose iconic status has never diminished.
“The Last Gullwing” began its journey as a special-order Standwagen, initially showcased at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. Subsequently, it was dispatched to the Mercedes-Benz distribution network in the United States on September 27, 1957. While details of any appearances between the Poznan Fair and its American shipment remain unconfirmed, it’s known that by the time 7500079 was released from exhibition duties, the successor 300SL Roadster was already in production.
Intriguingly, factory documentation reveals “The Last Gullwing” was originally specified in Fire Engine Red over a custom Crème leather interior, with English instrumentation, sealed beam headlamps, bumper covers, and wider 15 x 5½ -inch Kronprinz wheels typically reserved for the 300SL Roadster. This unique specification further underscores its special status as the final Gullwing.
Preservation and Restoration
Despite its significance, “The Last Gullwing” spent its early years in America in relative obscurity. However, this exceptionally unique and remarkably original example has been cherished by only four recorded owners throughout its life. Retaining its factory-correct color scheme and numbers-matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front axles, “The Last Gullwing” is a testament to preservation. Even its rear axle is believed to be original.
After more than 25 years under the care of its most recent private custodian, who meticulously restored the car over several years, “The Last Gullwing” debuted at the prestigious 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This marked the first time a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was invited to this exclusive event. The judges and attendees were captivated by 7500079, awarding it 3rd in Class—a remarkable achievement and a tribute to the quality of its restoration.
The Enduring Ideal
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing has maintained its iconic status for seven decades, not just as a symbol of Hollywood glamour or motorsport victory, but as the embodiment of an ideal: to be the best.
“The Last Gullwing” transcends mere automobile ownership. To be associated with this car is to be linked to the greatness of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, its triumphs, and the individuals who contributed to its success. Like Michael Jordan’s final game jersey or Babe Ruth’s last home run ball, “The Last Gullwing” represents the pinnacle of collecting. Owning the “last” of a defining icon is owning a tangible piece of history itself.
