This 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing was detailed for The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Multi year full restoration and needed some "attention" to get this unbelievable car show-car ready. This car took 2 full 10 hour days to get ready.
Originally Posted By: nitehawk55
I've often wondered what it's like climbing in and out of those cars , looks awkward .
Trust me, the first one of these I worked on, I looked like a fool trying to get in and out, until they showed me you just sit down on the door sill area and slide in, super easy, and the steering wheel actually is hinged so it folds out of your way. Easy to get in and out, but a PITA to detail, my back still hurts ; )
In 1976 I had a chance to buy either a Gullwing ($20K) or a 1967 Ferrari 330GTC ($17.5) from Ferrari of Los Gatos. Drove the Ferrari, but not the MB. Probably could have negotiated down, dealer was motivated.
I bought neither. Recently married, bought a house and had kids, etc. Such is life.
In 1991, at the Scottsdale auctions (forgot - either Kruse or Barrett Jackson), I saw the same 330GTC ( I had the VIN on record) bid to $270K but did not sell - reserve not met and condition had declined. Gullwings were out of sight.
I had the money but did not buy in 1976 because I knew what it would take to garage and maintain a car like this. And the time commitment - I was not ready for that. Praise to those who take care of these classics.
In 1976 I had a chance to buy either a Gullwing ($20K) or a 1967 Ferrari 330GTC ($17.5) from Ferrari of Los Gatos.
Now that would have been one heck of an investment, $20K for a real Gullwing, geez, these cars sell for upwards of $800K to WELL over $1M today easily if restored "properly".
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Great job on an outstanding old car.
Wondering what the fuel dilution is like on that DI engine of 1955!!
That Bosch fuel injection system is quite good, they never really had problems with it. Since Mercedes was broke when they built the Gullwing, and in typical cheap German fashion they just took various bits from their sedans, welded up a chassis and their you go Gullwing! That's why they ran drums instead of discs, to keep the cost down. I still can't beleive the numbers they go for.
The fuel injection system in that car can trace its roots back to the ME109.