Canepa is offering this Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing for sale.
- The “Most Iconic” Mercedes-Benz ever to be produced
- Only 2 owners over the course of 68 years
- Extensive documented history since new
- San Francisco Bay Area California car since new
- 1 of 867 made in 1955. 1 of 1,400 Gullwings made during entire 4-year production
- Matching numbers engine – 3.0L inline-6 engine with 215HP
- Original color combo according to factory build record
- Books, tool roll, jack, and spare wheel/tire
- Extensive owner documentation and detailed notes back to 1955
- Fitted original Karl Baisch luggage set, wooden Nardi-style steering wheel
Very few cars exude the same level of class, desirability, and recognizability of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a constant contender in timeless design. With its long swooping hood, perfect curves, iconic upward-opening doors, and a body design that is considered to be this day the epitome of style, the 300SL Gullwing has aged remarkably well. A lasting favorite among automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike, the 300SL Gullwing is considered one of the most legendary automobiles to have been created. With only 1,400 examples built in the 4-year time period that it was offered, only a few lucky individuals with the wherewithal were able to enjoy what Mercedes-Benz created.
This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was originally purchased by Dr. Glen Smith Harman of Monte Sereno, CA in December of 1955 along with a Mercedes-Benz 300S on the same day. A physician servicing the San Francisco Bay Area, this particular doctor had a unique relationship with the Canepa family: he was Bruce’s father’s close personal friend. Angelo Canepa and Dr. Harman were extremely close friends. So much so that when Dr. Harman’s extremely rare 40ft all-mahogany Stephens Brothers sail boat was docked next to Angelo’s own boat, the pair would work on their boats, go sailing, and do boating activities together every weekend. They even traveled together frequently with their wives on vacation. Bruce Canepa recalls seeing the 300SL for the first time parked in Dr. Harman’s designated spot in the harbor parking lot at the age of 12, and has personally known this car since the early 1960s.
Dr. Harman enjoyed his 300SL regularly and as much as he could, indicated by the service book stubs which show 44,000 miles by the end of the 1950s. By the end of 1967, that number had grown to over 130,000 miles, possibly being one of the most-driven 300SL Gullwings at that time.
As is the nature of many doctors who take fastidious notes, Dr. Harman was no different. Records of services performed along with hundreds of receipts for factory parts purchased, no matter how small or large, from his local Mercedes-Benz dealership over the course of his decades-long ownership. His notes were compiled chronologically, with procedures and technical tips handwritten that rival the factory’s own manuals.
Dr. Harman ensured that the 300SL was treated to exceptional care throughout his ownership, mirroring his commitment to his patients. An engine rebuild was performed in 1973 by regional 300SL expert Rudi Geipel. In 1986 the Gullwing was treated to a respray of its original White (DB 50) color, and records show that the exterior chrome was replated during this time period. Throughout his ownership, his own records indicate that he was a complete Mercedes-Benz owner who valued proper maintenance and keeping his car in exceptional condition, both mechanical and cosmetic, and enjoyed it fully until his passing in 1999.
4 years after Dr. Harman’s passing, his wife Lillian decided that it was time for the 300SL to be enjoyed by another member of the community. Wanting to ensure that it was treated with the same respect, care, and enjoyed properly, she hand picked its next owner. A nearby Gull Wing Group member and accomplished mechanic, Robert West, was chosen and became the car’s next caretaker for the next 2 decades. Within his family he had a standing order to not wear shoes inside of the car, and that each family member knew to not close the doors, hood, or trunk lid from more than 6” high. West’s door seal alignment allowed for gentle soft closure of the panels, a “if you know you know” quality test of the proper alignment of the doors and seals.
Upon arriving at Canepa this 300SL was given a complete and extremely thorough inspection, going through every mechanical system and cosmetic surface. After a lengthy visual, mechanical inspection, and extended test drives, Canepa initiated the “Canepa Difference” process on the Gullwing. All mechanical items were addressed, whether a component or system needed repairing or restoring, back to factory or better-than-new condition, to ensure perfect drivability for the next 100,000 miles of driving. The aerodynamic belly pans were removed and the 300SL was treated to a complete concours-level detailing of the underside. Once completed, the topside of the car including the engine bay, interior, and trunk areas were cleaned in extreme detail. Lastly, the DB 50 White paint was polished to a fantastic sheen using only foam pads and polish. After all work was completed, the “Canepa Difference” process invested over $100,000 over more than 8 months to bring it to Gullwing perfection.
Legendary cars can be something more than just a mechanical mix of components that get you from point A to B, and this 300SL was as much a family member as it was a car. While many owners drove their Mercedes-Benz Gullwing short distances to not add miles, Dr. Harman did quite the opposite and enjoyed the car for literally over 130,000 miles in his personal 44 year ownership, to be passed onto another like-minded owner who kept the car in excellent condition. And after 68 years with just three owners, and Canepa’s recent sympathetic restoration and servicing, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is ready for another half a century of enjoyment.
About the 300SL Gullwing
The 300SL has become a staple of many collectors “must have” items in automotive collections, despite the Gullwing starting from humble beginnings from an educated bet of a single person: Max Hoffman. Hoffman was Mercedes-Benz’s authorized United States importer in the early 1950s. He also was/would become the importer for BMW, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Jaguar. He correctly guessed that the American public (specifically those with the wherewithal) were looking for a luxury car that also had lots of performance. Max’s bet proved to be correct, with Mercedes-Benz making 1,400 examples of the Gullwing, selling nearly 80% of them to American buyers. Considered a resounding success, when the 300SL was released it was considered the best sports car of its era.
The 300SL Gullwing succeeded because it was able to do two things well, not just one. A full-blown luxury car along with a record-breaking high-performance sports car, the Gullwing provided huge performance in a luxurious package. With its dry-sump 3.0-liter engine producing 240hp via mechanical fuel injection and its low-drag bodywork made it capable of reaching 163 miles per hour. In today’s speeds this doesn’t seem high, but this was 65 years ago where many cars barely went past 100 miles an hour! A 4-speed manual transmission kept the driver engaged, and the cabin inside was appointed like what you expected from a halo model from Mercedes-Benz. They were luxurious, designed well, and were swathed in the best materials to remind you that you were driving something special. For all of this luxury and performance the price didn’t come cheap, with the 300SL Gullwing ringing in at $6,820 in 1954, although would be considered a bargain in 2020 money at $65,359!
One of the most unique features of the 300SL was the use of a tubular frame like many of the race cars of the era. Designed specifically for strength while reducing the amount of weight, it ensured that each car had an immense amount of stability upon high-performance maneuvers. The added plus of being able to design an entire chassis in this way was ensuring that the center of gravity was lower and towards the middle of the car, improving handling.
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