A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing recently captivated bidders with its unparalleled history and rare features, achieving a record-breaking auction sale.
An Automotive Marvel Unearthed
The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, a rare specimen of automotive heritage, captured attention at RM Sotheby’s recent auction, fetching an extraordinary $9,355,000. Known for its distinctive “gullwing” doors and lightweight aluminum body, this particular vehicle is one of only 29 such models ever produced. As the sole example delivered in a sleek black exterior paired with a luxurious red leather interior, its rarity and exclusivity are undeniable. Each detail of the car’s design, from its sports suspension to the Rudge knock-off wheels, reflects its intended role as a street-legal, race-ready machine.
Luigi Chinetti’s Unique Acquisition
Originally commissioned by Luigi Chinetti, a Le Mans champion and prominent Ferrari importer, this Alloy Gullwing was ordered in 1956 from Milan’s Saporiti dealership. Chinetti reportedly sought to compare this Mercedes-Benz model to his stable of Ferraris. The car’s allure was clear, as it sported features suited for high performance, including the NSL engine and specialized sports suspension. Chinetti held onto the car for two decades before selling it to its second owner, Rudi Klein, in 1976. Their transaction, a notable moment in the vehicle’s history, took place at the Daytona 500, where Klein purchased the car for $30,000.
A Hidden Piece of History
Upon acquiring the Alloy Gullwing, Klein took a unique approach to ownership by keeping it nearly hidden from view for almost 50 years. While he preserved its original parts—including the matching-numbers engine, transmission, and interior—the car never left his yard, nor was it driven. After some time, Klein had the vehicle repainted in silver, yet never restored it. Though parts like the front bumper and spare wheel went missing, the car remained in largely authentic condition. This dedication to preserving its original features led RM Sotheby’s to describe it as “spectacularly genuine.”
‘Minor’ Imperfections, Major Value
Stored in a building within Klein’s yard, the Alloy Gullwing amassed 45,600 miles on the odometer, maintaining its original interior components. Despite a dent from a minor collision with a forklift in 1981, the car’s value continued to rise due to its preserved state. Photographs from its time in storage show it sitting on flat tires, yet the clock and key mechanical elements stayed intact. This car’s originality, with all signs of age and wear, exemplifies its journey and legacy. Despite—or perhaps because of—its imperfections, this unique Alloy Gullwing commanded a remarkable sale price at auction, reaffirming its place in automotive history.
An Auction Record for a Storied Icon
When the car was finally placed up for auction by RM Sotheby’s, it quickly became the focal point of intense bidding, reflecting its extraordinary background and status as an iconic classic. At the close of the auction, it sold for $9,355,000—a testament to the allure of a car that has remained virtually untouched since its time in Chinetti’s care. Combining innovative engineering, an illustrious owner lineage, and the rarity of a one-of-a-kind design, this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing stands as an automotive masterpiece, blending elegance and performance in a truly timeless way.
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