A remarkably rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, often cited as ‘the world’s first supercar’, is heading to auction as part of an extensive collection of performance icons spanning the 1950s to the 1990s. This event, which will feature some of the most collectible cars of all time, is expected to attract significant attention from car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The 300 SL Gullwing, one of only around 1,400 examples built, is poised to achieve a sale price exceeding £1 million (NZ$2.07 million). This particular Gullwing, finished in vibrant Fire Engine Red, underwent a total restoration in Switzerland in 2009, costing more than £250,000 (NZ$517,000). It will be auctioned as part of the ‘Silver Bullets & Red Arrows Collection’ on the Collecting Cars website, with auctions running from Wednesday, June 12, to Sunday, June 23.
The collection includes another standout, a 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’. This model, nicknamed in tribute to Ferrari’s 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 endurance race in America, is even rarer than the 300 SL, with only 1,284 units built. This particular Ferrari is among the last ten produced at the Maranello factory, adding to its allure.
Assembled over 20 years, the collection features cars that took as long as two years to acquire, reflecting the owner’s dedication to finding the best examples. Some vehicles were acquired spontaneously, highlighting the diverse approach to building the collection. The owner has decided to sell the collection, wishing for the cars to be enjoyed and driven by enthusiasts as intended.
Elizabeth Puckett