1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" Chassis no. 19804055000537 “When it was first announced by Mercedes-Benz, the production 300SL Coupe was a startling car built to the German concern's customarily startling standards, but above all what left the general public most open-mouthed about the new car was its upward-opening Gullwing doors…!” - Motors, 1963. Tested by Road & Track magazine in 1955, the 300SL accelerated from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, going on to achieve a top speed of 140mph - outstanding figures for its day. Half expecting the long-awaited 300SL to provide an anti-climax, R&T were delighted to find the new car, “far beyond our wildest expectations. In fact, we can state unequivocally that in our opinion the 300SL coupé is the ultimate in an all-round sports car. It combines more desirable features in one streamlined package than we ever imagined or hoped would be possible. Performance? It accelerates from a dead start to 100mph in just over 17 seconds. Dual purpose? A production model 300SL can make a very acceptable showing in any type of sports car competition. Yet the car is extremely tractable and easy to drive in traffic. Comfort? The fully enclosed 300SL is the most comfortable (and safe) high-speed ‘cross-country' car built today.” This magnificent 300 Sport Leicht Gullwing was sold new on 27th July 1955 to one Russell Hartford, of Washington, USA, later passing through four more US owners before acquisition in 1964 by James L Berggren of Switzerland and Sweden. Between 1980 and 1981 the car underwent a complete no-expense-spared restoration by Mercedes-Benz in Germany on behalf of Mr Berggren and is accompanied by invoices relating to the work carried out. Later, in 1990, the interior was retrimmed in red leather, perfectly complimenting the classic silver grey paintwork. Upon recent inspection we noted a very tidy engine bay, superb coachwork with even shut lines and the absence of stress cracks, good window rubbers, very good chrome and unblemished glass. The interior is excellent apart from slight wear to the drivers seat, and a period Heuer Autavia stopwatch is mounted on the dashboard, with the original and desirable Becker Mexico still in place underneath. In the boot area red carpets match the cockpit, and the jack and hammer sit next to the spare wheel. A noteworthy and attractive option on this Gullwing is of course the factory Rudge knock-off wheels. Mr Berggren sold his Gullwing in 1993 and it is today owned by a fastidious Swiss-German collector who has maintained it to the same standard. Swiss registered and with a current roadworthiness certificate, it is ready for immediate use. Local taxes will apply if the car remains in the EU but it may of course be imported via Monaco (for local residents at 5.5€or Great Britain (at 5Ž Ce magnifique 300SL coupé ‘Papillon' fut vendu neuf le 27 juillet 1955 à un certain Russell Hartford à Washington aux Etats-Unis avant de passer entre les mains de plusieurs propriétaires américains pour finalement être acquis en 1964 par James L. Berggren. De 1980 à 1981, cette voiture fit l'objet d'une restauration à grands frais chez Mercedes-Benz en Allemagne (factures disponibles) pour Mr. Berggren. En 1990, la sellerie fut retendue de cuir rouge s'accordant à merveille avec la couleur de sa carrosserie: argent. La récente inspection de ce véhicule nous a permis de'apprécier un compartiment moteur soigné, une carrosserie en superbe état, tous les joints en exellent état ainsi que les chromes. La sellerie est en trés bon état avec un trés léger signe d'usure sur le côté du siège conducteur, un chronographe ‘Heuer Autavia' a été monté face au passager sur la planche de bord non loin du poste Becker Mexico d'origine. Dans le coffre, les moquettes rouge s'accordent avec l'intérieur et partagent l'espace avec la roue de secours ainsi que le krick et le maillet. Cette 300SL est équippée de roues Rudge, options d'origine sur ce véhicule. Mr. Berggren vendit ce coupé ‘Papillon' en 1993. Elle est actuellement entre les mains d'un collectioneur suisse-allemand méticuleux qui la conserve dans un superbe état. La voiture est offerte avec ses documents d'immatriculation suisses et son contrôle technique à jour. Les taxes locales s'appliqueront si la voiture reste en Europe mais elle peut naturellement être importée via Monaco (à un taux de 5,5our les résidents) ou la Grande-Bretagne (à 5Ž Estimate: €280,000 to 320,000 (CHF450,000-510,000)