252: 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
| Start Price |
USD 287,500.00 |
| Current Price |
USD 490,000.00 |
| Time Left |
- |
| Bid Count |
15 |
| Buy It Now Price |
- |
| Reserve Price |
- |
| Start Time |
Saturday, August 02, 2008 |
| End Time |
Saturday, August 02, 2008 |
| Location |
Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester, MI |
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See more about '252: 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing'
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Description
click for larger image252: 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing215 bhp, 2,996 cc overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel servo-assisted and finned drum brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5"As with several of Europe's most important sports cars, the road-going Mercedes-Benz 300SL and its subsequent importation to the United States would not have been possible without Max Hoffman. In fact, Hoffman deserves much of the credit for the development of the production version of the 300SL. While attending a meeting of Daimler-Benz's Board of Directors, Hoffman argued passionately for a production version of the 300SL racing car, known internally as the W194. Despite initial objections, the determined Hoffman prevailed, and left Germany with an order for 1,000 SLs.Introduced in 1954 to thrilled crowds in New York, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL was essentially a supercar with a price tag well in excess of $7,000! Despite the high price, the immediate and long-term success of the 300SL was due in large part to the growing American fascination with smaller, more nimble European sports cars -- an interest expressed by many GIs returning from service in Europe during the early 1950s.The 300SL capably incorporated the technological advancements that resulted from Mercedes-Benz's racing program. Regarding the car's nomenclature, the 300, of course, represented the engine's displacement of three liters, while SL denoted "Sport und Leicht" (light). Initially introduced as a coupe, the 300SL's gullwing doors that became the car's visual signature actually solved the cabin-entry problems posed by the car's light tubular frame, which was designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Truly an engineering triumph, the frame was an intricate network of many thin tubes that provided incredible strength, yet weighed a mere 82 kilograms!The body design was a classic case of form following function. While believed to be merely decorative, the distinctive bulges over the wheel openings actually improved high-speed stability. Meanwhile, the two longitudinal hood bulges and the distinctive grillwork on both front fenders removed excessive heat from the engine bay and reduced noise inside the car. Aluminum was used extensively for the bodywork, particularly for the doors, hood, trunk lid, and interior sheet metal. While the rest of the car utilized steel bodywork, the entire car, in ready-to-drive form, including the spare wheel, tools, and fuel, tipped the scales at just 1,295 kilograms. An even lighter-weight version, with the entire body formed from light alloy, was available for a small extra cost, shaving another 80 kilograms from the car's total weight. Only 29 examples are known to have been produced.Compared to competitive sports cars of its time, the 300SL gained an immediate reputation not only for high performance, but also for exceptional build quality and advanced design. Where contemporary sports cars featured carburetors, solid rear axles, and pushrod engines, the 300SL offered Bosch direct fuel injection, independent rear suspension, and an overhead camshaft. In fact, the 300SL remains the first gasoline-powered production car to employ fuel injection. The six-cylinder engine produced 215 brake horsepower and 210 pounds-feet of torque, and was mated to a four-speed, fully synchronized transmission. These features translated into zero-to-sixty times of approximately eight seconds -- a truly impressive feat in the mid-1950s. As well, top speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour were possible, thanks to a choice of five available rear axle ratios.The motoring press quickly praised the 300SL, as it continues to do today. From its incredibly beautiful shape, to its advanced engineering, incredible performance and handling prowess, to its functional yet comfortable interior, the 300SL remains the standard by which lesser sports cars are judged.Well suited for long-distance, high-speed touring, the 300SL was fitted with a standard 100-liter fuel tank, and could be ordered with a handsome set of fitted leather luggage, improving the practicality of this incredible machine.The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing pictured here in black is an outstanding, matching numbers example with four owners from new. Originally delivered to Dr. Denton S. Coe of New York, he enjoyed this thoroughbred until 1970, when it was sold to John Church, of Norwalk, Connecticut. In 1971, Church sold the car to restaurateur and opera singer Neil Zarerelli, of North Carolina, who retained ownership of the car for the next 35 years. Driven sparingly and garage kept, the 300SL was entrusted to Automotive International, of Charlotte, North Carolina in 2001, for a complete but sympathetic restoration, totaling over $75,000 in expenses. Over the next four years, the car was also given a complete mechanical rebuild, which included restoration of the engine and gearbox, along with the brake and fuel systems. In 2005, the decision was made to repaint the car in its original black finish.While under the ownership of the current owner, marque specialist Hjeltness Restorations of Escondido, California performed a major mechanical service, which included replacing all fluids and filters as well as the spark plugs. The cooling system and brakes were also serviced at this time. For the past year, the car was stored in "The Vault" at DriverSource of Houston, a climate-controlled facility that also treats the car to regular exercise and maintenance. Additionally, DriverSource rebuilt the fuel injection system, returned the suspension to original specifications, installed new carpets to the interior and restored the original steering wheel. To erase any signs of road use, the underside of the car was stripped to bare metal then refinished. Needless to say, the Gullwing remains in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, and is reported to have amassed 62,000 original miles.This Gullwing is a highly desirable example that has benefited from sympathetic and thoughtful care throughout its ownership. What's more, it represents performance and a design that remains as startling today as when new. In fact, the 300SL continues to occupy a place on Sports Car International's Top 10 list. In a 1968 road test conducted by Road and Track, the editors declared, "After 13 years, still a terrific car -- sparkling performance". We could not agree more, 40 years later.Auction House RM Auctions5 West Forest AveYpsilanti, MI United States 48197519.352.4575Important NoticeRM Auctions usually auctions automobiles at the rate of 20 lots per hour. On some occasions, eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. RM recommends placing a realistic absentee bid now, as insurance to help avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also re-open a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because of a missed audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that RM Auctions may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above, or under any other reasonable circumstances. Since eBay bids are not shown to us until we open the lot on the floor, we treat those bids just like floor bids. In most cases the floor responds before the eBay bid is presented to us, due to Internet lag time, so for consistency we have made it a policy that floor bids are always considered first over tying eBay live bids. Also please note that all RM Auctions lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 13% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid. This lot is being auctioned in conjunction with a live floor auction by RM Auctions, Inc. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by RM Auctions, Inc., and all other information should be considered preliminary. Winning Notification and Billing: After the FINAL session in this auction is complete RM Auctions will send e-mail invoices. This process normally takes up to two days. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by RM Auctions, Inc., and all other information should be considered preliminary. This auction will be conducted on a live auction floor and over the Internet through eBay Live. If you choose to place an absentee bid, please take a moment to learn how eBay Live absentee bidding works by visiting eBay's website.Terms & ConditionsPlease ensure that you have read and understood these terms and conditions prior to bidding at this or any other RM sale.1. All sales are final. No bidder may retract a bid made during the sale for any reason.2. Final bid price does not include 13% buyer's premium or applicable taxes on each lot purchased. Proof of tax exemption is buyer's responsibility.3. All payments must be in the form of cash (In House Only) or certified funds unless other arrangements have been approved in advance. Cash (In House Only) payments will be reported according to Federal government requirements.4. All sales are "as is" and "where is". Bidder is responsible for inspections and verification of condition, authenticity, and completeness of any item purchased. No warranties or representations of any type whatsoever are made by RM. Buyers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own evaluation and inspection. Any announcements made at the time of sale supercede any earlier printed information.5. Bidder authorizes RM Auctions, Inc. to authorize the credit card number provided for $2000. Should a bidder default on payment in any manner whatsoever, without limiting any recourse RM Auctions, Inc. may have, bidder agrees to pay RM Auctions, Inc. all lost auction fees (which is the maximum published rates for (1) the seller's commission, (2) the buyer's premium, and (3) the entry), this amount is due and payable without relief.6. Person bidding online must be 21 years of age or older. No minors are allowed to bid.7. If Buyer is picking up items or using a shipping company other than the RM recommended company, Buyer is responsible for removing items from the auction location by Monday, August 4th at 12:00 noon. Buyer is responsible for paying for the removal of items from the site, packing, shipping, handling and insurance of any items purchased. If Buyer is unable to provide RM with the name of a transportation company within 24hrs of the purchase, RM will release the lot to "Intercity Lines Inc". Buyer will pay RM directly for the lots, buyers fee and any applicable taxes and pay "Intercity" directly for their services.8. The auctioneer reserves the right to rearrange, separate, exclude or withdraw any lot without giving a reason.9. If buyer sues RM Auctions, Inc. and does not prevail, Buyer will reimburse RM Auctions, Inc. for all legal fees and expenses in connection with said suit.10. All terms of sale posted on the auction premises, printed in sale brochures or forms, publicly announced, communicated via the eBay bidding applet or otherwise published are incorporated herein by reference.ShippingIf Buyer is picking up items or using a packing/shipping company other than the RM recommended company, Buyer is responsible for removing items from the auction location by Monday, August 4th at 12:00 noon. Buyer is responsible to pay for the removal of items from the site, packing, shipping, handling and insurance of any items purchased. If Buyer is unable to provide RM with the name of a transportation company within 24hrs of the purchase, RM will release the lot to "Intercity Lines Inc". Buyer will pay RM directly for the lots, buyers fee and any applicable taxes and pay "Intercity" directly for their services.Buyer's Premium13%PaymentCash (In House Only), Money Order, Certified Check or Bank Wire Transfer. NOTE: RM DOES NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL AS A FORM OF PAYMENT. Any questions, please email.TaxesLocal 6% tax applies when picking up items or shipping within the state of Michigan.ContractYour bid is a contract.Place a bid only if you're serious about buying the item. If you are the successful and winning bidder, you have entered into a legally binding contract to purchase the property bid on from the seller. You should contact the seller to resolve any questions before bidding.RegistrationBidders are required to:a) Sign up for this auction& b) Complete bidding approval formApproval is at the discretion of the Auction House.HelpHelp with biddingImages Auction services provided by LiveAuctioneers
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