Latest news with #Gullwing
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jay Leno Unveils Ultra-Rare 1956 Mercedes Alloy Gullwing Forgotten Even by Mercedes
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious In his latest video, automotive icon and comedian Jay Leno unveiled one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever produced—a 1956 Mercedes-Benz Alloy Gullwing, so exclusive that even Mercedes-Benz doesn't know where all of them are today. Leno's discovery highlights a version of the classic 300 SL Gullwing that is rarely seen outside of elite collections. Only 29 examples of the alloy-bodied variant were produced, and this one—once owned by noted collector Rudi Klein in Los Angeles—is among the few known to remain intact. Unlike its more commonly seen steel-bodied sibling, the Alloy Gullwing was a lightweight, high-performance version built entirely out of aluminum. Its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 215 horsepower, was designed for competitive driving and reduced weight. While the standard Gullwing is already a legend, the Alloy version emphasizes performance over refinement, making it highly prized among purists. Despite its value—estimated at $10 million—this Alloy Gullwing is not the most expensive Mercedes ever sold. That distinction belongs to the record-breaking 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which fetched over $140 million in 2022. Still, the Alloy Gullwing remains one of the most valuable privately owned road cars in the world. 'This is the first true supercar,' Leno declared in the episode, challenging the often-cited claim that the Lamborghini Miura holds that title. He emphasized the Alloy Gullwing's blend of performance, rarity, and motorsport heritage, qualities that make it unlike anything else from its era. Now retired from late-night television, Leno continues to spotlight automotive rarities through his YouTube channel, Jay Leno's Garage, where he shares cars from his 300+ vehicle collection, valued north of $50 million. With each new video, Leno not only entertains but also helps preserve the legacies of cars even their manufacturers forgot existed.
Auto Blog
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Your Chance to Drop Seven Figures on a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Has Arrived
One of the German star's most famous sports cars is now up on Bring a Trailer. It won't be cheap, though. The Mercedes-Benz 300SL holds a prominent place in the temple of automotive gods. Its design, racing provenance, and sheer performance made it an icon of its time, with a presence that has persisted through the years. Of course, given this backstory, you would expect 300SLs to hold an equally worthy price tag; you would be right. This is one of them 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing — Source: teamcj/Bring a Trailer Bring a Trailer is now offering you the chance to own one of these unicorns, if your wallet can afford it. This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, chassis 5500733, is one of 1,400 Gullwing coupe examples built during the model's three years of production. It was reportedly built in September 1955 for delivery in the US through the Port of New York. In 1978, the car was sold by its Arizona owner to a California collector, where it remained for over four decades. During the collector's ownership, the 300SL was painted silver, and its 3.0-liter M198 inline-six, replacement four-speed manual transmission, and brake system were overhauled by Marx Mercedes Service in Costa Mesa, California, in 2007. The car was bought by its current owner about a year ago and underwent yet another refresh, a body seal replacement, and a 2024 repaint in its original shade of white (color code DB050). 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing — Source: teamcj/Bring a Trailer The interior carries one of the most tremendous color schemes I have ever seen on a car: red leather with Ulster Tartan plaid cloth over the seat cushions and matching carpeting. Not only is it a perfect contrast to the white exterior, but come on, it's plaid! The odometer also shows a mere 39,000 miles, approximately 23 of which were added by the current owner. Final thoughts 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing It's unfortunate that this example's story from 1955 to 1978 seems to have been lost to time. It would have been incredible to know who its original owner was and what led them to decide on a 300SL. According to a period article from Sports Car Illustrated, now Car & Driver, the $8,000. That converts to around $94,058 in today's money, which is no small sum. The low mileage and overall sorted nature of this example should allow its future owner to enjoy all of the 215 horses under the hood while looking distinctively dapper at any car show they attend. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. With six days left in the auction and a current bid of $1,215,000, buying this German steed will do some serious damage to anyone's bank account. Boy, is it worth it, though.
Miami Herald
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Your Chance to Drop Seven Figures on a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Has Arrived
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL holds a prominent place in the temple of automotive gods. Its design, racing provenance, and sheer performance made it an icon of its time, with a presence that has persisted through the years. Of course, given this backstory, you would expect 300SLs to hold an equally worthy price tag; you would be right. Bring a Trailer is now offering you the chance to own one of these unicorns, if your wallet can afford it. This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, chassis 5500733, is one of 1,400 Gullwing coupe examples built during the model's three years of production. It was reportedly built in September 1955 for delivery in the US through the Port of New York. In 1978, the car was sold by its Arizona owner to a California collector, where it remained for over four decades. During the collector's ownership, the 300SL was painted silver, and its 3.0-liter M198 inline-six, replacement four-speed manual transmission, and brake system were overhauled by Marx Mercedes Service in Costa Mesa, California, in 2007. The car was bought by its current owner about a year ago and underwent yet another refresh, a body seal replacement, and a 2024 repaint in its original shade of white (color code DB050). The interior carries one of the most tremendous color schemes I have ever seen on a car: red leather with Ulster Tartan plaid cloth over the seat cushions and matching carpeting. Not only is it a perfect contrast to the white exterior, but come on, it's plaid! The odometer also shows a mere 39,000 miles, approximately 23 of which were added by the current owner. It's unfortunate that this example's story from 1955 to 1978 seems to have been lost to time. It would have been incredible to know who its original owner was and what led them to decide on a 300SL. According to a period article from Sports Car Illustrated, now Car & Driver, the $8,000. That converts to around $94,058 in today's money, which is no small sum. The low mileage and overall sorted nature of this example should allow its future owner to enjoy all of the 215 horses under the hood while looking distinctively dapper at any car show they attend. With six days left in the auction and a current bid of $1,215,000, buying this German steed will do some serious damage to anyone's bank account. Boy, is it worth it, though. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rebodied 2001 Mercedes SLK320 Could Pass as a 300SL Gullwing
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A rare automotive fusion has hit the road—a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320, professionally rebodied to resemble the legendary 1950s 300SL Gullwing. With its nearly identical dimensions and comparable performance, the SLK320 serves as an ideal base for this meticulous transformation. The original 300SL Gullwing, introduced in 1954, remains one of the most iconic Mercedes models ever built. Derived from the W194 race car, it was the fastest production car of its time, featuring a lightweight design, mechanical fuel injection, and a top speed of 162 mph. Only 1,400 Gullwings were ever produced before the model transitioned to a roadster. This rebodied SLK320, completed in 2021, faithfully recreates the aesthetic of the classic Gullwing while retaining modern engineering. The fiberglass bodywork is complemented by genuine 300SL trim pieces, while the interior is styled after the Mercedes 190SL, adding to its period-correct appeal. However, beneath the vintage-inspired exterior lies the performance and reliability of a 21st-century car. Powering this unique build is a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 215 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Interestingly, the SLK320's wheelbase of 1400mm is identical to the original 300SL, and its torque output of 229 lb-ft slightly surpasses that of the Gullwing's 203 lb-ft, ensuring a spirited driving experience. The build also retains modern conveniences such as air conditioning, fully functional classic-style gauges, and Mercedes' innovative folding metal Vario-Roof, allowing for an effortless transition between coupe and open-air driving. With just 731 miles since the rebuild, this one-of-a-kind SLK320 Gullwing conversion offers the best of both worlds—timeless 300SL styling with contemporary performance, comfort, and reliability. It stands as a unique collector's piece, blending nostalgia with modern engineering in a seamless tribute to Mercedes-Benz history. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
