Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing in factory paint sold for a record $5.3 million

The car, which is considered to be the most authentic example of the iconic model of the 1950s, was sold at the Artcurial auction in Paris. The previous record price for a production Gullwing of $3.4 million was set in 2024. A 1956 car was also sold for this amount.

The current lot has been preserved in the most authentic condition possible. The car is factory painted Graphitgrau and is one of only 30 examples sold new in France. The car has only 34,255 km on the clock and has been meticulously cared for over seven decades.

The paint is completely original, with the exception of small touch-ups under the rear bumper and doors, the leather upholstery has not been repaired or even cleaned. The car retains its original license plate.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing model was produced in an edition of 300 copies. Under the hood is a 3.0 inline six with a power of 240 hp, which is mated to a four-speed manual transmission.

The first owner of the copy sold in Paris was the French industrialist and Olympic champion Claude Foussier. In 1961, he sold the car to former racing driver Roger Loyer, and he, two months later, to industrialist Jean Piget. The latter owned the car for 53 years.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Artcurial Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Artcurial Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Artcurial Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Artcurial Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Artcurial Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Artcurial Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Artcurial