Beschreibung:

Created to spearhead Mercedes-Benz's return to competition in the post-war era, the 300SL debuted in the 1952 Mille Miglia, finishing second and fourth overall. Wins in the Carrera Pan-Americana and at Le Mans followed, and the 300SL was on its way to becoming part of motor sporting legend. The first racers were open-topped, but before the '52 season's end the distinctive gullwing-doored coupé had appeared. Unusually high sills were a feature of the multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, and while access was not a problem of the open car, the adoption of coupé bodywork required innovative thinking - hence the gullwing doors. Launched in 1954, the production 300SL retained the spaceframe chassis of the racer though, like the latter's, its mechanical underpinnings owed much to the contemporary 300 saloon. A 2,996cc overhead-camshaft inline 'six', the 300SL's engine was canted at 45 degrees to achieve a lower, more aerodynamic bonnet line, and using direct fuel injection produced 215bhp (DIN) at 5,800rpm. A four-speed 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. Tested by Road & Track magazine in 1955, the 300SL accelerated from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, going on to achieve a top speed of 140mph - outstanding figures for its day. Half expecting the long-awaited 300SL to provide an anti-climax, R&T were delighted to find the new car, "far beyond our wildest expectations. In fact, we can state unequivocally that in our opinion the 300SL coupe is the ultimate in an all-round sports car. It combines more desirable features in one streamlined package than we ever imagined or hoped would be possible. Performance? It accelerates from a dead start to 100mph in just over 17 seconds. Dual purpose? A production model 300SL can make a very acceptable showing in any type of sports car competition. Yet the car is extremely tractable and easy to drive in traffic. Comfort? The fully enclosed 300SL is the most comfortable (and safe) high-speed 'cross-country' car built today." Its racing parentage notwithstanding, the 300SL was and remains a thoroughly practical automobile, as civilised in city driving as it is exhilarating on the highway. From the private collection of celebrated French racing driver and five-time Tour de France Automobile winner Bernard Consten, this impeccably presented 'Gullwing' was restored in 1989 and was on display at the Musée de la Colline, Paris la Défense, for five years up to December 1997. The vendor advises us that the restoration involved removal of the bodywork, and that no mechanical intervention was deemed necessary. Originally grey but now re-finished in eggshell, the car retains its original red leather interior and is reported as in perfect condition, its engine consuming neither oil nor water. A believed-genuine total of approximately 88,000 miles is displayed on the odometer. The car was invited to serve as 'Course Opener' of the retrospective Tour Auto in 2000 and 2002, an honour it has just performed again in April 2003. This magnificent 300SL 'Gullwing' is offered with French Carte Grise. Créée pour marquer le retour de Mercedes-Benz à la compétition après la guerre, la 300SL fait ses débuts dans les Mille Miglia édition 1952. Le célèbre Coupé à portes papillon fait son apparition avant même que la saison se termine. Ces portières si particulières sont nées de l'adoption de la carrosserie du Coupé et de bas de portières inhabituellement hauts. Lancée en 1954, la production de la 300SL conserve pourtant le châssis du modèle de course. Avec une accélération de 0 à 100 km en 7,4 secondes, elle offre des performances remarquables pour l'époque. Issu de la collection privée du célèbre coureur français Bernard Consten, 5 fois vainqueur du Tour de France automobile, ce modèle "papillon" présenté dans un état impeccable a été restauré en 1989 et exposé pendant 5 ans (jusqu