Set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby's in Arizona on January 27th, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL with an alloy body holds a significant place in automotive history. Originally delivered to Casablanca, it is widely hailed as the quintessential post-war sports car.
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The brainchild of Max Hoffman, who also brought us legendary cars like the Porsche 356 Speedster and the BMW 507, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL stands out as one of his greatest contributions to the automotive world.
Hoffman's vision led to the creation of a road-going racer that appeared futuristic and otherworldly, like something straight out of a sci-fi film. With its scissor doors, distinctive fender vents, fuel-injected engine, and aircraft-inspired cockpit, the 300SL instantly became a classic when it debuted at the 1954 New York auto show.
Originally named 'Sport Leicht,' signifying its lightweight tubular chassis, the 300SL quickly caught the attention of Mercedes-Benz engineering boss Dr. Fritz Nallinger. He devised a plan to create an even lighter version tailored for privateer racers.
Thus, the 'Leichtmetallausführung' or 'Light Metal' Gullwing was born, and only 29 of these remarkable cars were produced. Today, the 'Light Metal' Gullwing models are among the most sought-after post-war Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and the example showcased here is possibly the most intriguing and desirable of them all, hence the estimated auction price of $7 to $9 million at RM Sotheby's.
The 'Light Metal' Gullwings earned their name due to their paper-thin, aluminum bodywork and optional Plexiglass side and rear windows, which significantly reduced the car's weight. With enhanced suspension and a high-performance NSL engine featuring a competition cam, high compression cylinder head, custom throttle valve, and re-calibrated injection metering, the 'Light Metal' Gullwing boasted a potent and responsive 215 horsepower, putting it on par with the swiftest sports cars of its time, including Aston Martin, Maserati, and Ferrari.
Among the handful of alloy Gullwings to surface in the last two decades, few boast as intriguing a history as this particular car – affectionately known as the 'African Alloy' because of its original ownership by Moroccan Benz agent and enthusiastic racer Joseph F. Weckerle of Casablanca.
Completed on May 27, 1955, it was delivered to Weckerle two weeks later, featuring a Silver Grey metallic exterior with a blue vinyl and gabardine interior.
Equipped with all the 'Alloy' features, except for the Plexiglass windows, it also came with a 'high-speed' rear axle, uprated 270 kph speedometer, and a Becker radio, adding to its allure and provenance.
