Fantasy Junction

Description

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe
s/n 198.0405500229 engine no. 198.9805500246
Silver with Red Leather Interior

The 300SL was one of the most exotic cars available when it was new. Directly descended from racing cars, and chock full of innovative features, they were fast, beautiful, and expensive. Arguably the first `supercar` ever (others claim that honor should be bestowed upon the Lamborghini Miura), the 300SL has been described as the McLaren F1 of its day. Thanks to Mercedes` development work during World War II in aircraft engines, the 300SL became the first production car to feature fuel injection, and the light but strong spaceframe necessitated the now legendary and often copied upwards opening doors. The result was a stunningly beautiful but also functional car that was, depending on gearing, the fastest production car in the world. Surrounded by separate frame carbureted contemporaries, the SL was truly a glimpse of the future and remains today a very special car indeed. Its appeal is timeless and consequently, 300SL`s have remained `blue-chip` collector cars that are always in demand and perhaps even culturally embedded as one of the most iconic and greatest cars of all time.

This particular car is an attractive and presentable car that has seen much restorative work by respected 300SL expert Bill Richardson. This work included a major service, fluid change and tune, chassis lube, valve adjustment, the replacement of all fuel hoses, rebuild of the electric fuel pump, rebuild of the oil cooler and water pump, a major brake service including rebuilding of the wheel cylinders and replacement of the soft brake lines when appropriate, replacement of the front wheel bearings, and a rebuild of the steering box, as well a full alignment. It is a matching numbers example that remains in its timeless original color combination. It comes with an original manual, tool roll with some tools, belly pans, new reproduction luggage, and a Nardi steering wheel.

Cosmetically, the car is very nice, with a high quality repaint that is holding up very well. There are no significant blemishes or damage, and the paint was properly applied. The panels fit well and the gaps are good, and the chrome excellent. There are no bumper over riders fitted, which makes the lines of the car even cleaner, while the Talbot mirror is period correct and attractive. The wheels are excellent, including the chrome hub caps.

The interior has seen a retrim some years ago, and remains attractive, with a nice amount of patina. There is extensive leather upholstery, to the dashboard, headliner, seats, sills, and center consol. It is generally excellent, with a few worn areas on the dashboard, and on the seat backs. The chrome and instruments may be original and are very well-preserved. The white steering wheel currently in the car has some cracks, though a Nardi one is included.

The engine compartment has been detailed and is very clean. The intake runners have been polished. The trunk appears to be largely original, though the silver areas were repainted when the rest of the car was repainted and are excellent.

This is a great opportunity to acquire what remains one of the greatest cars of all time. This example remains in its original colors, with belly pans, and with its original engine, reinforcing the impression that this car is fundamentally unmolested. The other extras are also desirable, and this car is in the perfect condition to be used. The luggage will make it an ideal touring car, and the car is eligible for many events thanks to its 1955 build date.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608