1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Coupe Goes Under the Hammer

A classic Gullwing that has been featured in the forthcoming film Father of Invention, starring Kevin Spacey, is to be auctioned by RM Auctions at their Amelia Island sale next month. The car, a 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Coupe, is expected to fetch somewhere between $575,000-$675,000.

The vehicle in question is finished in red with a tan interior, and is fitted with a 215 bhp, 2,996 cc overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

The car, built as a left-hand drive example, has spent the first 23 years of its life in England, and was subsequently exported to the United States before eventually receiving a lengthy 15-year restoration, completed about 13 years ago. During this time, the car was never driven and it did not accumulate any mileage.

The vehicle has been fully serviced in 2008, including lubrication and replacement of all fluids. It was the same year that the Mercedes Classic Center in Irvine, California performed a thorough detailing of the car, including the engine compartment, interior and exterior finish.

The car changed ownership again in 2005 and has since participated in the California Classic Rallye (June 2005) and was exhibited in the Concours d’Elegance on Rodeo Drive, where it was awarded Best in Class.

“Just 867 300 SL coupes were built in 1955, and fewer still remain today. It is difficult now to imagine the significant advance represented by the 300 SL in its day. Not only did it offer considerable technological advancement and trendsetting design, but the long hood concealed a powerful overhead cam six-cylinder engine with Bosch fuel injection capable of top speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour,” a statement from RM Auctions reads.