The Silver Bullets & Red Arrows Collection

KEY FACTS<ul><li>This Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ is a beautiful and iconic classic, considered by many to be the world's first supercar, which was treated to a comprehensive mechanical restoration in 2009-2010 at a cost of more than CHF 260,000 and a full repaint in 2012.</li><li>Under the bonnet is a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre straight-six, producing around 215hp, and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.</li><li>Originally a US-market car, it was delivered to its first owner in Los Angeles, CA. Between 1967 and 2000, the car had just three owners, which are documented in the history file, and more recently it was imported to the UK and re-registered with the DVLA in November 2011.</li><li>It has been in the seller’s collection for 17 years, and was acquired through renowned 300 SL specialist in the US, Paul Russell.</li><li>After initially using the car in its unrestored condition, the seller commissioned a full restoration by specialist Pichler in Gstaad, Switzerland, with work carried out by former Mercedes-Benz mechanics, using an array of original parts.</li><li>The seller reports that this Gullwing has since been taken on a number of European tours and has never missed a beat, as well as being invited to various concours events including Salon Privé, the Hampton Court Court Concours of Elegance, and the Gold Coast Motor Festival in Hong Kong.</li><li>The five-digit odometer indicates 1,307 miles, which is thought to reflect a total of 101,307 miles.</li></ul>EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES<ul><li>This 300 SL Gullwing is finished in the striking hue of Fire Engine Red, its original factory colour, complemented by a black leather-trimmed interior.</li><li>The car features European specification lights, a curved grille, and belly pans.&nbsp;</li><li>It has been upgraded with a set of 15-inch Rudge wheels, which were sourced from renowned specialist HK Engineering.</li><li>The original wheels without tyres are also included in the sale.</li><li>Inside, there is a wood Nardi steering wheel, black leather fitted luggage, a Becker Mexico radio, and a discreet and reversible HK Engineering air-conditioning system.</li><li>Accompanying the car are tools and a jack, a reproduction English language handbook, a file of invoices, and a CD of files documenting the restoration process.</li><li>The registration ‘55 RXY’ is included in the sale.</li></ul>CONDITION<ul><li>Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.</li><li>Specific notes from the seller include: The exterior was treated to a full repaint in 2012 (invoice on file). Inside, there is some wear on the seats and the sills as shown.</li><li>The most recent MOT test was on 23 June 2016 at 99,888 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with advisories for an oil leak and minor damage to the windscreen.</li><li>It is understood to be exempt from mandatory MOT testing on the basis of age.</li></ul>SERVICE HISTORY<ul><li>This car has been cared for and maintained by The Light Car Company in Oxfordshire while in the seller’s collection.</li><li>As part of pre-tour preparation in 2019, the spark plugs were cleaned and refitted, and the engine oil and differential oil topped up.</li><li>New spark plugs were fitted in 2018, and some remedial work was carried out on the gear shift mechanism and passenger door lock.</li><li>The starter motor was rebuilt by a specialist in 2016.</li><li>All fluids and oils were replaced during the service in 2015, the air-conditioning was recharged, and all electrical functions were checked.</li><li>In 2012, the tubular exhaust manifold and collector, long pipe and silencer, were all treated to a specialist coating by Zircotec.</li><li>This 300 SL was the subject of a complete mechanical restoration between 2009 at 96,325 miles, carried out by the renowned Swiss workshop Pichler in Gstaad. The total for this work came to CHF 241,779, with further invoices over the next two years totalling more than CHF 22,000.</li></ul>SUMMARYThis Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ is a well-presented example of the sublime and sought-after classic sports car, which benefits from both a full repaint in 2012 as well as comprehensive mechanical refurbishment in 2009 – with a total spend with Pichler in Gstaad in excess of CHF 260,000. The model holds particular esteem among collectors for its impressive blend of performance and refinement for its age, and it is often deemed to be the car that paved the way for the supercars of the modern era. Its striking design still wows the crowds today, and this particular 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ would no doubt be a jewel in any collection worldwide.The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.&nbsp;All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

1955 Mercedes-Benz (W198) 300 SL Gullwing

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The Silver Bullets and Red Arrows Collection

1955 Mercedes-Benz (W198) 300 SL Gullwing

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