1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing

Description:
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing Mercedes-Benz 300SLs have soared in value during the past 12 months, and the trend continued on Friday afternoon, as a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL alloy Gullwing rocketed to a record $4.6m at Gooding & Company's Scottsdale Auction. Bidding on the rare car -- it is one of 29 alloy Gullwings -- started at $2m and quickly ratcheted up, achieving a final sale price of $4.2m. Factoring in the 10% buyer's premium, the car changed hands for $4.62m. Alloy Gullwing is the Ultimate Collectible. If a Mercedes Gullwing is the iconic 1950s Grand Touring car, as many insist, then the ultra-exclusive, all-aluminum “alloy Gullwing” is the ultimate example. Mercedes built 29 of them in 1955 as a lightweight, racing variant on the production car. It was 175 lbs lighter than the steel car and sat on lowered suspension, with an upgraded engine, Plexiglas windows, Rudge wheels, and plaid cloth in the seats. It was frighteningly expensive, a serious uptick from the $8,500 normal list price (about $70,000 in 2011 dollars) and of interest only to serious racers and a few who wanted the absolute best at any cost. In the high-end collectible feeding frenzy of the past few years, they have become extremely desirable, not least because they almost never become publicly available. This car is a stunning, freshly restored example, originally delivered in California for street use. The dynamic, New York car dealer, Max Hoffman, can be credited for inspiring the creation of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing. Thanks to Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz responded to the market’s demand for a high-end sports car inspired by the marque’s great 1950s racing success and the limited, 1400-car run of the 300 SL Gullwing was produced. Mercedes-Benz built only 29 light-weight, alloy-bodied versions for owners who had racing in mind. In addition to their lighter weight, the alloy Gullwings were equipped with a high-performance NSL motor, Rudge wheels and stiff suspension. Unlike most, this matching-numbers, silver over plaid 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing with rudge wheels was never raced. The Kirkland Concours d’Elegance class-winner is in excellent, show-quality condition following a restoration by the preeminent 300 SL specialist Rudi Koniczek. CHASSIS NO. 198.043.5500208 ENGINE NO. 198.980.5500218 Karrosserie No. 198.043.5500005 *Please note that this car is titled 5500208. ■ The Sixth of 29 Aluminum-Bodied 300 SL Gullwings Built ■ Numerous Competition-Born Features ■ Original Matching-Numbers NSL-Code Engine ■ Complete with Rudge Wheels, Belly Pans and Luggage ■ Recent Major Refurbishment by Rudi Koniczek’s Rudi & Co. ■ Kirkland Concours d’Elegance Award Winner ■ Exacting Finish Throughout ■ The Rarest and Most Desirable of All 300 SLs 2,996 CC SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection 240 BHP at 5,800 RPM 4-Speed Manual Transmission 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes Independent Double-Wishbone Front Suspension Independent Rear Swing-Axle Suspension --------------------------------------------- Gooding & Company will be conducting its annual Scottsdale Auctions on January 20 and 21, beginning at 11 a.m. both days, at the Scottsdale Fashion Square at 68th Street and East Camelback Road. Guests may preview the cars on Thursday and Friday, January 19 and 20, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, January 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. An auction catalogue for $80 admits two to the viewing and auction. General admission to the viewing and auction can be purchased at the tent for $30 per person. Bidder registration forms, press credentials and additional auction information are available at www.goodingco.com or by calling (310) 899-1960. Auctions are broadcast live at www.goodingco.com/auction
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Advertised by:	Everyone is a Star at Rare Realty (click here to see full profile)
	Grade Everyone is a Star at Rare Realty
Email:	stars@rarerealty.net
Ad Details
Property is	Sold
Garage Spaces (put 0 if this does not apply)	0.00
Price Information:	Sold at Gooding Scottsdale Auction for this amount and that includes the buyers paid commissions to the auction company.
Type:	Car, Classic Vehicle / Collector Vehicle
New or Used:	Used
Model:	300 SL Gullwing (Alloy)
Year:	1955
Make:	Mercedes
Price	$4,600,000 USD
Interior Color:	Blue
Exterior Color:	Alloy
Features & Accessories:
Type & Features:	Rear Wheel Drive, Manual Transmission (Stick Shift), Luxury, Leather Interior, Sports Car, 6 Cylinder Engine
Classic Vehicle Type:
Type & Features:	Sports Car, Exotic Car, Classic / Antique
For Sale at Auction
Auction Sale?	Yes
Type of Auction	Phone Bidding, Internet Bidding, On-site Registration, Minimum Bid Amount Required, Retail Auction Event, Reserve Price
Auction Date	01/20/2012
Auction Time	9:00am - 6:00pm
Location	Scottsdale Fashion Square - Corner of E. Camelback Road and N. 68th Street
Name of Auction	Gooding & Company - The Scottsdale Auction
Auction Website: input http://	http://www.goodingco.com/all_auctions/event_information/scottsdale
Unique Sale Issues
Type of Sale	Auction Company Sale
In front of website you must input http://
Website	http://www.goodingco.com/all_auctions/event_information/scottsdale
Location
Address	7014 E Camelback Rd
Suite	Scottsdale Fashion Square Corner of E. Camelback Road and N. 68th Street
City	Scottsdale
State	AZ
Postal Code	85251
Country	usa
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Phone	(310) 899-1960
Ad id:	48762086
Ad views:	2051
Current rating	Grade
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