A Rusty Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Sold at Auction for a Record-Breaking $5,245,000 (26 photos)

This example is considered the last 100% original car.





The Artcurial auction has concluded for the famous 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL gullwing, considered one of the most original examples of this model to date. During the auction, bids for the partially rusted coupe reached €4,407,800 (approximately $5,245,000). According to Autoevolution, this is the highest price ever paid for a 300 SL (not including the price of various special editions of this model, which can be even higher).

The value of this collector car is directly influenced by its condition: this 300 SL has never been restored and retains all factory equipment, including the paintwork. Even the license plate on the coupe is still the same one issued in 1956.

This rarity has a fully documented history, according to which the coupe's owners preferred to keep it as a museum exhibit rather than use it for its intended purpose. The car was delivered to its first owner in January 1956, and in the intervening 70 years, it has covered only 34,000 kilometers.

Furthermore, this example has a very rare configuration, of which only about 60 were produced. It includes a 20-horsepower engine, sports springs and shock absorbers in the suspension, special wheels, and a whole host of other options: according to the auctioneers, the buyer of this car ordered all the additional equipment that was available for the 300 SL at that time, with the exception of a lightweight aluminum body.