Chassis No. 198.040.7500048
Engine No. 198.980.7500059
Body No. A198.040.75.00046
Transmission No. 7500062

Born from the fusion of racing purpose and market vision, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing stands as one of the most significant sports cars of the twentieth century. Its origins trace directly to the competition-proven W194 Coupe developed by engineers at Mercedes-Benz after World War II to reassert the brand's motorsport leadership against European rivals. Guided by chief engineer Fritz Nallinger, test department manager Rudolf Uhlenhaut, and construction engineer Joseph Müller, the W194 introduced an exceptionally rigid and lightweight tubular space frame weighing roughly 70 kilograms. The high structural side members of this frame necessitated the car's distinctive roof-hinged doors, which gave rise to the legendary “Gullwing” configuration.

The W194 quickly proved its racing pedigree with commanding results, including a second-place finish at the Mille Miglia, a dominant victory at the Grand Prix of Berne and a celebrated 1–2 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These achievements captured international attention and directly inspired American distributor and importer Max Hoffman, who championed the development of a road-going version for the United States market.

Introduced in 1954, the production 300 SL Coupe transformed racing technology into grand touring refinement. The car adopted Bosch direct mechanical fuel injection, a revolutionary system that delivered approximately 25 additional horsepower compared to the carbureted racing engine. The 3.0-liter inline-six was tilted 50 degrees to enable a lower hood profile and improve aerodynamic efficiency, while dry-sump lubrication supported sustained high-performance operation.

Lightweight construction was central to the design philosophy. At approximately 1,300 kilograms, the 300 SL could achieve top speeds approaching 260 km/h, making it the fastest German production sports car of its era. Only about 1,400 Gullwing Coupes were built between 1954 and 1957, with only 70 examples hailing from its final model year.

The 300 SL Gullwing has long been regarded as the blue-chip automotive icon, regularly celebrated for its synthesis of motorsport heritage, technical innovation, and iconic design. It remains one of the most coveted collector cars of its generation as an era defining achievement in the history of performance engineering and postwar sports car development.

As noted on the copy of its Mercedes-Benz Data Card, this 300 SL was designated for the U.S.-market as order number 855 564 from Studebaker-Packard in South Bend, Indiana. Given chassis number 7500048, this 300 SL was one of the final 70 produced in 1957. It was specified in White Grey (DB 158) with a special-order Blue Leather (333) interior. Historian Chris Kramer notes that this is one of just six cars finished in this color in 1957, and one of just 67, or a mere 4.8 percent of the 1,400 Gullwings ever produced. As a U.S. market example, the car was further equipped with instruments with English lettering, sealed-beam headlights, parking lights, bumper overriders, and a ''Made in Western Germany'' plate. Additionally, it was equipped with the optional Becker Mexico radio and an automatic antenna, while, interestingly, the rear-view mirror was to be supplied separately. Upon completion at Mercedes-Benz's vast Stuttgart-Untertürkheim facility, it was shipped by rail to Bremen, then to the U.S., with its “Liefertag” or delivery day on 10 April 1957.

The Gull Wing Group registry notes that Apgar John Jonigian owned chassis 7500048 from 1997 through 2002. An avid automotive enthusiast, Jonigian was a member of the Horseless Carriage Club of America, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, but most notably, the Gull Wing Group (GWG). While the GWG shows that the car was under his care for just five years, 300 SL historian Eric Le Moine notes in his book Register/Edition N°3, Final Edition, that the car remained in the U.S. with a single owner.

In 2002, the Gullwing returned to its homeland when it was acquired by HK-Engineering of Polling, Germany. Since 1985, they have been a highly regarded authority on the iconic 300 SL, with this Gullwing residing in their collection. It remained there, surrounded by some of Mercedes-Benz's most iconic models for the next 11 years until 2013, when it was acquired by its next owner.

Under the direction of its new owner, the 300 SL continued to have been serviced by HK-Engineering, including meticulously preparing it for the 2014 Mille Miglia Storica. One of just 435 lucky entrants, the 300 SL left Brescia on 15 May, covering nearly 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) over a demanding four days through seven regions and over 200 town centers. With the same engineered excellence that helped in Stirling Moss's historic 1955 victory, the car provided this experience of a lifetime with ease, which was made easier with HK-Engineering providing technical support throughout the event.

Given HK's sterling reputation and high-quality support on this once-in-a-lifetime event, they continued to retain the German firm to provide regular servicing under current ownership. Work by them included attention to the engine, brakes, transmission, and suspension. HK-Engineering's most recent service was performed on 5 November 2025. They completed a detailed inspection, and the compression test yielded healthy results and noting '' The vehicle runs very well. The engine has excellent performance.” It is presented today as a wonderfully preserved example, never having undergone a complete restoration. Furthermore, the Gullwing's FIVA Identification Card categorizes the car in “A/2” condition, noting its extraordinary preservation as an unrestored vehicle.

On 18 November 2025, the Gullwing was thoroughly inspected by Mr. Luigi Smeraldi, who determined the extent of its original matching-numbers status. The accompanying photographs and report show that it is complete with its original chassis, engine, body, transmission, steering box, and front spindles. Thoroughly detailed, the report photographs and documents numbers rarely recorded during other inspections. It confidently documents its extraordinary level of originality.

With just 1,400 examples produced from 1954 through 1957, collectors have long treasured the 300 SL for its innovative engineering that brought true race-car technology to the road, from its space-frame chassis to the world's first fuel-injected production-car engine. Beyond the numbers and technical daring, its unmistakable silhouette and direct connection to endurance-racing triumphs have allowed the 300 SL Gullwing to transcend eras as a defining icon of post-war automotive history. This highly original example stands as the ideal addition to any collection, as it would surely be considered for some of the world's most prestigious motoring events, including future entry into the Mille Miglia Storica, or as the ideal candidate for the preservation class at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.

Documents: German Fahrzeugbrief