A Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing with a sporting history will go under the hammer. The upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction will feature a unique automotive gem – the legendary red 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, whose history is inextricably linked to the world of SCCA racing in the United States. The estimated value of this remarkable specimen is $2.25-2.75 million. A gem of motoring!
Legendary red Mercedes at auction – the birth of an icon
The 300 SL Gullwing, badged from the factory as the W198, made its debut in 1954, introducing features previously known from the race track. That’s why it had “racing” fuel injection and a lightweight space frame. Car instantly became an object of dreams. Meanwhile, its distinctive upward-opening doors ensured that it became an icon of style and engineering.
The featured example, chassis number 198.040.5500278, was completed on April 29, 1955 at the Sindelfingen factory. It received the extremely rare DB534 Feuerwehrrot (fireman’s red) color with a black interior. It was fitted with the coveted Rudge wheels, sealed beam headlights and additional bumpers. From the beginning it was intended for the American market.
Chuck Wallace and success in the SCCA – the car’s racing past
Not every Gullwing can boast a sporting history, but the legendary red Mercedes at auction was actively involved in American racing. It ended up at the Jack Pry Limited dealership in Washington. There the car was entrusted to driver Charles “Chuck” Wallace. The unusual driver was a barber by trade. On the other hand, on weekends he became a dangerous rival on the track.
In 1956, Wallace was triumphant in the SCCA. He won the race in Walterboro. He then triumphed at Elkhart Lake. On the other hand, at Beverly he defeated Paul O’Shea himself – a factory Mercedes driver. Although he missed part of the season, he finished as runner-up in the D Production class. He gave way only to O’Shea.
The car even appeared at the famous Bahamas Speed Week in December 1956. At the time, it stood in the paddock alongside Stirling Moss’ Maserati or Alfonso de Portago’s Ferrari.
New owner and further launches – Chick Butscher
In 1957, Gullwing changed hands. It was bought by Leonard “Chick” Butscher, owner of a restaurant chain in Florida. Although he was an amateur, he was able to exploit the car’s potential. That’s why he won, among other things, a class victory at Eagle Mountain and a sensational 2nd place at Marlboro. He appeared in the same races in which drivers such as Carroll Shelby and Don Yenko competed.
Postwar fate and rediscovery
After the end of his sports career car circulated between owners on the East Coast of the US, until in the 1970s it came to John Harkness, who entrusted it to the workshop of Paul Russell – one of the best specialists in classic Mercedes. In the 1990s, the car found its way to Switzerland and Germany. Its racing history, on the other hand, was forgotten.
It wasn’t until 2015, after it was purchased by a UK collector, that a new study of its history began. It was discovered that the car retained its original engine, chassis, body, rear axle and pivots, as well as modifications indicative of its racing past – including an NSL camshaft and a more powerful oil pump.
Under a layer of later silver lacquer, it appeared original red shade DB534. What’s more, the interior, still in factory leather and with horsehair filling, matched photos from the 1950s.
Legendary red Mercedes at auction – a unique opportunity
Today, the legendary red Mercedes at auction is not only an example of masterful engineering and design. Above all, it is a car with a priceless, documented racing past. Experts describe it as one of the most important steel Gullwings to come on sale in recent years.
The estimated price of $2.25-2.75 million is not surprising. That’s because it’s a car that provides not only an investment, but also the opportunity to compete in prestigious automotive events around the world, from historic races to elegance competitions.
The legendary red Mercedes at RM Sotheby’s auction is a chance to acquire an icon of the golden era of motorsports. A car that rivaled Shelby, Moss and O’Shea. This remarkable car still retains to this day the extraordinary originality and aura of a true legend.
