Fantasy Junction

Description

1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwings/n 1980405500726 engine no. 1989805500711Slate Grey with Red Leather InteriorThe 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, well before the term existed, the 300SL has been described as the McLaren F1 of its day. Thanks to Mercedes’ manufacture of aircraft engines during World War II, they knew a thing or two about fuel-injection, and the 300SL became the first production car to feature fuel injection. The light but strong tubular spaceframe necessitated the now legendary and often copied upwards opening doors, a feature that had appeared on the earlier 300SL race cars. During this period, Mercedes was an absolute tour de force in the Grand Prix and Sports Car arenas, and customers with sufficient means could own a direct descendant of the exciting race cars that Mercedes was then campaigning.The 300SL is not only stunningly beautiful, but also a highly functional performance 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. 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.Thus, any 300SL is a special car, but this particular car stands out even among those. In addition to having a concours level restoration by one of the best in the business, the car is also desirably equipped and finished in an outstanding color combination. The car is in what is essentially the ultimate specification for a steel-bodied 300SL, with Rudge knock-off wheels, original belly pans, and original luggage. Additionally, the car looks particularly elegant without over-riders.This car was completed in September 1955 and furnished new to Max Hoffman’s Mercedes-Benz dealer in New York City. The car was restored by Rudi Koniczek and Company, whose concours level 300SL restorations are legendary. The restoration was completed in 2008, although virtually unused since, and accordingly the car remains extremely fresh and show ready. The car has been shown twice since the restoration was completed, winning 1st in Class at the La Jolla Concours and April 2009, and 1st in Class at the Del Mar Concours in October 2012.The car is show ready, runs and drives beautifully, and has a nearly complete tool roll with tools.Much more information to follow shortly.

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