When the Mercedes-Benz 300-SL (W 198) “Gullwing” coupe debuted at the International Motor Sports
Show in New York in 1954 a legend was born. The 300-SL coupe of 1954-57 was directly derived from
the sports racing car (W194) that won the Carrera Panamericana and the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1952.
As with the legendary racing car from the 1952 season, the vehicle featured consistent lightweight
design throughout and a tubular spaceframe that supported the engine, transmission and axles, leaving
no room for conventional doors. Out of necessity a new style of door was needed resulting in what
would become the hallmark of the car, the awe inspiring “gullwing” roof center-hinged doors. The 300-
SL is powered by a 182.8 CID Inline six-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. It is the
world’s first four-stroke production passenger car to be equipped with output-enhancing direct fuel
injection putting out 215 hp and a top speed of up to 155 mph, making it the fastest production car of its
day.

This rare and desirable matching numbers 1957 model has a history of only 3 long-term ownership
tenures prior to being acquired by the Museum of Automotive Icons, Inc. d/b/a Midwest Dream Car
Collection in the summer of 2023. Originally finished in DB158 White Gray it presents today in DB608
Ivory over 1079 red leather. As one of only 1,400 W198 chassis coupes produced, 300-SL Gullwing
7500053 rolled off the Mercedes-Benz assembly line in Sindelfingen, Germany on April 10, 1957, thus
taking its unique place among the final 20 examples of the iconic model to be produced. To emphasize
this particular Gullwing’s rarity, a mere 5% of the total 300-SL Gullwing production came in 1957, making
this chassis 7500053 extremely desirable from a collectability standpoint. As per its accompanying
factory supplied data card, when 7500053 left the factory in the spring of 1957 it was equipped with a
Becker Mexico radio, red leather fitted luggage, original instruments in English, and Dunlop tires
mounted to 5×15” wheels manufactured by KPZ.

Scott Grundfor Company