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Buying a 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing

Within most automotive manufacturers, a road car comes first and then is followed by a racing version. However, the Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing would debut in 1954 as a direct descendant of the Mercedes sports racing car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Carrera Panamericana in 1952. The 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing, as part of this iconic series, is among the most sought-after European classic on the market today. The 300SL Gullwing would keep the racing version’s strong tubular frame and high sills (a necessity for the Gullwing doors), and would boast a fully independent suspension and a fuel-injected version of Mercedes’ 2,995cc single-overhead camshaft engine. With top speeds upwards of 160mph, the classic Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing was also one of the fastest production cars in the world when it debuted. A four-speed manual transmission was fitted and drum brakes were used at each corner. When buying a 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing (or other model-years), finding examples with the optional engine upgrade, Rudge knock-off wheels and fitted luggage will increase the value. Similarly, the most coveted of all the production 300SL Gullwings are the first 29 models, which were manufactured in aluminum like their racing counterparts. Production would move to steel after the first 29 units.

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1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’ve recently fallen in love with the style, sophistication and curvature of the 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing or you’ve been searching for the right model for decades, The Beverly Hills Car Club would be delighted to assist you in finding the classic you desire. One of the most important Buyer’s Tips they can offer for the Mercedes Benz 300SL is to be prepared when the right one comes along. These classics garner quite a bit of interest when available, especially with just 1,400 produced over the years. It is also important to verify the originality of any Gullwing, as there are replicas that saturate the market. Verifying engine and chassis numbers against Mercedes Benz historical records is the best way to authenticate a Gullwing. Similarly, you’ll want to fully understand the overall condition of the classic and the quality of any restoration work. A untouched example can often be more valuable to a collector than a poorly restored model. These are just a few ideas to take into consideration.

To learn more about the 1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing, do not hesitate to contact The Beverly Hills Car Club today. Backed by years of experience in the classic car market, partnering with their team can be the difference between success and failure in your search for the iconic 300SL Gullwing. Connect with them today to learn more!