As a connoisseur of classic automobiles with a soft spot for rare gems, I can hardly contain my enthusiasm over the record-breaking sale of the 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Alloy” Gullwing. With its illustrious history and impeccable provenance, this beauty is a testament to the allure of timeless design and mechanical mastery.
A rare 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Alloy” Gullwing, offered as part of RM Sotheby’s The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection auction, has just sold for a staggering $9,355,000 USD. This car, one of only 29 Alloy Gullwings ever produced and the only example said to be finished in black with a red leather interior, carries a significant history tied to legendary Ferrari importer and Le Mans champion Luigi Chinetti.
It’s believed that Chinetti, who supposedly placed the order for the car in 1956 through the Saporiti dealership in Milan, may have aimed to evaluate it against his collection of Ferraris. Later on, in 1976, the car was sold to Rudi Klein, who kept it concealed for close to five decades. Interestingly, Klein never took this car out for a spin or displayed it beyond his private property, thus maintaining its original interior, exterior, engine, gearbox, and other crucial parts.
Originally conceived as a racing adaptation of the iconic 300 SL, the Alloy Gullwing boasted a lighter aluminum frame and a stronger NSL engine. Distinctive features included sports suspension, detachable Rudge wheels, and a Plexiglas rear window. Unfortunately, its short production run of just one year was due to high manufacturing costs and intense competition from established racing brands. As a result, this limited edition model has become incredibly rare and valuable.
This vehicle boasts a verified mileage of approximately 45,000 miles, showcasing its authenticity through its well-preserved original components and detailed documentation of its history. RM Sotheby’s has labeled it as “exceptionally genuine” and one of the rarest specimens among models of its kind.
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2024-10-28 10:25