The Mercedes Benz 300 SL is one of the most important and most valuable classic cars and it achieves steadily rising prices at auctions, which have long since reached seven figures.
However, Bonhams can now offer a very special 300 SL at the auction in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart on July 12, 2014, namely one of the earliest surviving examples with an impressive history. It is chassis 4500019.
Show car
As one of the first production cars, 4500019 was used at presentations and premiere events, such as the Paris Motor Show in 1954 and the London Motor Show in 1955. The press were also allowed to use the car, and "The Autocar" magazine used it for a driving test.
Mille Miglia reconnaissance car
None other than Stirling Mossand co-driver Denis Jenkinson used the early 300 SL with chassis number 4500019 in preparation for their legendary Mille Miglia victory in 1955.
Their success was due in no small part to the precise notes that Jenkinson was able to produce when driving the production 300 SL and with which he was able to warn Moss of dangerous sections and point out full-throttle passages.
Club races and concours
After its active time as a works car, the 300 SL passed into private ownership, was entered in a number of club races and then, after a long life in the new millennium, was restored to its original condition of 1954/1955. It was also shown at Pebble Beach in 2011.
Bonhams describes the 300 SL as one of the most important of its kind and as one of the stars of the auction at the Mercedes Museum on July 12, 2014. A few places are still available for people who have valuable and interesting Mercedes vehicles to consign ...
Further information on the auction in Stuttgart can be found on the auction house's website. Two interesting pre-war vehicles were announced earlier.
