Beschreibung:

Description Launched in 1954, the production 300 SL retained the spaceframe chassis and lightweight aluminium-alloy bodywork of the W194 racer while its mechanical underpinnings, like the latter’s, owed much to the contemporary Mercedes-Benz 300 luxury saloon. A 2,996cc overhead-camshaft inline six, the 300 SL’s engine was canted at 45 degrees to achieve a low bonnet line and produced 215bhp (DIN) at 5,800rpm using Bosch mechanical fuel injection. A four-speed, all-synchromesh manual gearbox transmitted power to the hypoid bevel rear axle. Suspension was independent all round: by wishbones and coil springs at the front, with swing axles and coil springs at the rear. The company’s U.S. distributor, Max Hoffman, decided that there was a market in America for a fast, sensual Mercedes-Benz coupe, and a production version of the racing 300 SL (complete with the fascinating gullwing doors) would be it. This 300SL Recreation was built by the well known Anton ‘Tony’ Ostermeier. As a former Mercedes employee, Ostermeier had a workshop in Gardena, California called Gullwing Car Company. From that location the well-made, hand craft ‘gullwings’ were created. This SL on offer is a Tony Ostermeier car with many original Mercedes components. The cars were built on a modern 300E chassis, featured an updated drivetrain, suspension, and brakes that made for a very usable street car. Molds were made from an original 300 SL Gullwing, ensuring accuracy. The panels were made of aluminium reinforced with aircraft epoxy/fiberglass and steel. The parts crafted by Tony were so accurate and of high quality that they were ultimately purchased and used on authentic 300SL coupes and roadsters. Mercedes-Benz in Germany was one of his customers. The running gear and suspension were borrowed from the E-class Mercedes 300E. Most of the cars built were shipped to Japan and Germany, and only a few made it to the United States. In total, it is believed that only 50 of these Gullwings were created. The 3-litre, six-cylinder engine produces 177 hp and is mated to a manual transmission, the car is stopped by all four wheel disk brakes and sits on Rudge wheels. The vendor informs us the current V5 document dates the car as a 1954 vehicle, and the vehicle has had only two owners from new, with a prestigious first owner. Having covered only 32,000km this car is a brilliant opportunity to own one of the most sought after recreations of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300sl ‘Gullwing’, at a fraction of the cost of the £1 million pound plus, that the original examples are currently commanding. Enquire Your name Email Telephone Message Type your message Join the COYS Connoisseur Club and receive monthly COYS newsletters, regular updates & exclusive member benefits. Next Lot