An important vehicle in many high-end auto collectors garages is the classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL. And why wouldn’t it be? It is historically significant, has a sports pedigree and was ahead of it’s time in many ways. Collectors around the globe hope to have one in their garage and the car featured in this article has some interesting Canadian roots.
Original Article – December 16, 2015 – Autoblog.com
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing remains one of the most collectible sports cars of its era, and RK Motors Charlotte just sold a 1954 example with some interesting Canadian provenance for $1.9 million in a private sale. The company believes this is the highest paid for a ’54 since one went for $2.2 million at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2012.
The 300SL was a supercar of its era, combining huge performance and a look like nothing else on the road. This beautifully restored example was also somewhat responsible for growing Mercedes into parts of Canada. A lumber industry magnate named Leopold Bentley imported the car with every option but the Rudge wheels, according to RK’s listing. He also believed there was a greater market for the German brand’s cars and set up Mercedes-Benz Distributor West to bring them into Vancouver. The 300SL served as the demonstrator for the business until someone bought the car in 1956.
The new owner left the high-performance coupe at a summer home and covered just 45,887 miles with it over the decades. A restoration in the early ’90s included a new coat of paint and interior improvements, but the 300SL remained mechanically original. As the gallery shows, it’s quite a beauty.
Sale prices for the 300SL can vary widely depending on the car’s specification. A ’55 Gullwing owned by Clark Gable sold for $1.85 million at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2013. However, the rare alloy-bodied cars have sold for millions more, including one for $4.62 million in 2012.
