A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Alloy” Gullwing has captured global attention by selling for an impressive $9,355,000 at RM Sotheby’s “The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection” auction. This sale marks a new chapter for one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz models, celebrated for its unique construction, heritage, and exclusivity. Only 29 Alloy Gullwings were ever made, but this particular example stands out as the sole car finished in Schwarz black (DB 40) with a striking red leather interior, making it a true one-of-a-kind in the luxury car world.
Legendary Ferrari importer and Le Mans winner Luigi Chinetti, known for his influential role in European sports car racing, is believed to have been the car’s original buyer. Chinetti reportedly acquired the car through Milan’s Saporiti dealership in 1956, possibly to assess it against his impressive lineup of Ferraris. Decades later, in 1976, it passed into the hands of Rudi Klein, a collector who maintained it in near-perfect, untouched condition. Under Klein’s ownership, the Gullwing was kept out of public view, preserving its original engine, gearbox, body, and interior.
This rare 300 SL was crafted with a lightweight aluminum body and powered by a performance-tuned NSL engine, aligning with Mercedes-Benz’s intention to create a competitive racing variant. Special features, including Rudge knock-off wheels, sports suspension, and a Plexiglas rear window, underscore its racing pedigree. Despite its intended purpose, the high production costs and stiff racing competition limited the Alloy Gullwing’s run to just 29 examples, elevating its status among collectors.
With only 45,000 miles and a documented provenance, RM Sotheby’s praised the Gullwing as “spectacularly genuine,” making this record-setting sale a historic moment for classic car enthusiasts worldwide.
Elizabeth Puckett