1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe

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1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
 
Chassis  # 1980405500088 (all numbers match the factory build records)
Engine # 1989805500106
Body #  1980405500088  

The 300 SL Coupe offered here was completed on February 12th, 1955 and shipped to the dealer Raymond Way of London, England on February 25th. Although it was constructed as a left-hand drive example, it spent the first 23 years of its life in England, passing through two owners, by the names of Griffith and Hughes, before being acquired in 1978 by Mr. Gerry Porter of London.
 
The car was subsequently exported to the United States before eventually receiving a lengthy 15-year restoration, which was started by Fritz Bley of Reston, Virginia and finally completed about 13 years ago. During this time, the car was never driven and did not accumulate any mileage.
 
The handsome Gullwing was subsequently sold to Scott Grundfor of California, who conducted additional cosmetic restoration work, which included having the interior redone by John Cumpton of West Hills, California whose work is highly regarded. The car was finally acquired by John Lebarbara in May 2005 and has since participated in the California Classic Rallye (June 2005) and exhibited in the Concours d’Elegance on Rodeo Drive, where it was awarded “Best in Class”. The odometer currently indicates less than 36,000 miles and all available evidence indicates this to be original mileage from new.
 
Beautifully finished in red with a tan interior, the car is reportedly a joy to drive and includes a mostly complete set of tools in addition to matching luggage, which was very well restored and remains in excellent condition. Belly pans are included with the car as well, although they are not currently fitted. A rare original radio is also included in the sale of the car, though not currently fitted, and will be available onsite for inspection.
 
The complete interior and exterior finish of the car are exemplary. Additionally, the engine received a complete, no-expense-spared overhaul in 2006 by Steve Marx of Costa Mesa, California. Marx, who has an excellent reputation for his expertise in the mechanical repair/restoration of 300 SLs, performed such work as replacing the camshaft with a sports camshaft, cam bearings, rocker arms, pistons, rod and main bearings, oil pump, water side plates, water pump, timing chain, chain gears and guides, and seals as well as water, fuel and oil hoses, clutch and motor mounts. What’s more, the driveshaft U-joints were replaced and the brakes received new wheel cylinders as well as brake hoses and new rear brake shoes.
 
In 2008, noted restorer and marque specialist Jerry Hjeltness of Escondido, California performed a complete service on the car, including lubrication and replacing all fluids. Finally, in October 2008, the Mercedes Classic Center in Irvine, California performed a thorough detailing of the car, including the engine compartment, interior and exterior finish. This included repainting chips in the paint caused by normal driving and wet sanding the finish to remove micro-abrasions.
 
In 2009, this Gullwing was featured in the soon-to-be-released movie, “Father of Invention” starring Kevin Spacey, Heather Graham and Craig Robinson.  Last June it was awarded “Best in Class” at the 32nd Annual Ault Park Concours d’Elegance.
 
In May of this year, the car was sent back to Steve Marx for a full service and complete overhaul of the brake system.  The car received new brake drums, brake shoes, wheel cylinders and brake lines. The invoices for this work were in excess of $15,000.

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