Silverstone Auctions always attract a stellar line-up of lots that are often fought over by collectors. The upcoming event – taking place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July 2019 – is on home turf for the British auction house, and this pristine 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing in an iconic ‘Fire Engine Red’ will be headlining the bill.
The Gullwing is always an impressive sight, but this 300SL even more so due to its impeccable condition and its status as one of the first models produced. Early examples of the 300SL feature ‘full belly pans’ of which are highly sought after amongst collectors. In total, just 1400 300SLs were ever built.
Supplied to Hoffman of New York in the 1950s, the vintage Mercedes comes complete with the highly desirable belly pans that help the sports car reach its top speed and sees a number of notable mechanical overhauls. New brakes, a stainless-steel exhaust, an upgraded sports camshaft and an overhauled gearbox feature alongside a completely rebuilt HK engineering injection pump system, making for an excellently looked after 1954 Gullwing.
The car in questions also features a classic interior colour scheme of cream and tan leather with chrome accents, a detail which is carried beautifully throughout the car. Finished with a bright red lacquered dashboard, this particular model has been owned by the Lotus Team Manager, Peter Warr, and has raced and toured internationally.
With its sporting pedigree and illustrious racing history, this Mercedes-Benz 300SL will be hitting the auction with an estimate of £850,000 – £1,000,000 ($1.1m - $1.3m) with Silverstone Auctions on July 27th.
Photography by Alan Kenny and courtesy of Silverstone Auctions.
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