1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing | How Mercedes Turned a Race Winner into a Road Icon

For this week's video, join Peter Klutt as he explores the rich history of this icon, and watch Gary put it through its paces on the road! The Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing,” produced from 1954 to 1957, is widely regarded as the world’s first true supercar. Born from racing success, it featured a lightweight tubular frame and innovative Bosch mechanical fuel injection, giving its 3.0-liter inline-six up to 240 horsepower—exceptional for the era. Its most iconic feature, the upward-hinged gullwing doors, was a necessity of its frame design and became an enduring symbol of automotive style. With a top speed of 160 mph, the 300SL was the fastest production car of its day, blending advanced engineering with timeless elegance. Today, it remains one of the most coveted and collectible cars in the world. This 300 SL Gullwing was originally ordered through Mercedes-Benz distributors in New York City and its earliest recorded owner in the Gull Wing Group Registry was Theodore Soltis of Wilmington, Delaware. Under previous ownership, the 300 SL was cosmetically restored by a marque specialist, finished in elegant Silver Gray (DB 180) with a pigskin-grain brown leather interior—a color combination famously featured in Ralph Lauren’s collection. Mechanical servicing has been performed as needed, with supporting invoices included in the history file. Importantly, the car retains its numbers-matching chassis and engine, as confirmed by the data card, along with its matching body and front and rear axles. Today, it is equipped with reproduction Rudge wheels, fitted luggage, and belly pans—three of the most desirable and coveted options for the model. Visit us at https://legendarymotorcar.com to see our inventory, services & more!