RM Sotheby’s is gearing up to auction a true piece of automotive history: the last Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing ever built. This iconic Fire Engine Red coupe, known as “The Last One,” rolled off the production line on May 15, 1957, and will go up for bid on November 24 during the amfAR Gala at Wynn Las Vegas. The auction house anticipates a hammer price between $2.5 million and $3.5 million for this final model of the revered 300 SL, a car that has become a legend among collectors.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is celebrated for its combination of performance and design. Born from the lightweight spaceframe chassis of the W194 endurance racer, the 300 SL retained the racing DNA while introducing a stunningly elegant body with signature gullwing doors. With only 1,400 Gullwing coupes produced during its three-year run from 1954 to 1957, the model is as rare as it is beautiful, making it one of the most coveted Mercedes models in history.
The final Gullwing, chassis no. 7500079, was originally a special order. After leaving the factory, it was showcased at the Poznan International Trade Fair before being shipped to the United States. Its timeless Fire Engine Red exterior and Créme leather interior remain in impeccable condition, highlighting the care taken to preserve this car’s original character. Remarkably, it still features its numbers-matching chassis, engine, gearbox, and front kingpins, a rare detail that will likely increase its value among purists.
Under the hood, the 300 SL’s 3.0-liter straight-six engine delivers 240 horsepower and 217 ft-lbs of torque, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This setup allows the Gullwing to reach a top speed of 163 mph, with an acceleration to 62 mph in just under 10 seconds—a testament to its racing heritage.
Expected to draw fierce competition from collectors worldwide, “The Last One” stands as a symbol of mid-century automotive innovation and luxury. While the price range of $2.5 million to $3.5 million is significant, it may not even be the most expensive 300 SL sold this season. Nonetheless, this particular Gullwing represents the end of an era for Mercedes-Benz, combining rarity, historical significance, and meticulous preservation in a package that will captivate automotive enthusiasts for years to come.