As the road-going development of the racing cars that returned Mercedes-Benz to the top echelons of international motor sports during the early 1950s, the 300 SL Gullwing coupe remains a landmark of design and engineering excellence. Its importance to the greater automotive landscape, and to the Mercedes-Benz company to this day, cannot be overstated. In 1954, when New York-based importer Max Hoffman announced that a refined version of the 300 SL race car would soon be available to the public, orders came flooding in. The interest was not only from sportsmen with an eye toward a serious competitive edge on local racetracks, but in large part from well-heeled members of society looking for something exciting and completely new.

Such was the case with the Gullwing offered here. As stated on a copy of its original sales invoice, this 300 SL, just the 90th example built of 1,400, was sold new to William A.M. Burden II. Mr. Burden was a descendant of the Vanderbilt family, a brilliant businessman, philanthropist, and, for decades, a highly valued customer of Mercedes-Benz. The Burden family motor courts had been graced with bespoke creations, including an open Hispano-Suiza J12, as well as various Rolls-Royce, a Model J Duesenberg, and a completely unique Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Cabriolet, so it is logical that Mr. Burden would be on a short list for a new Gullwing, soon after their release. Chassis 4500090 was originally delivered in German Racing Silver (DB 180), with the standard blue plaid cloth and vinyl interior. Mr. Burden would keep his Gullwing for the rest of his life.

Soon after his passing in late 1984, Mr. Burden’s grandson, Edward Burden, assumed ownership of the then 19,000-mile Gullwing and retained the renowned Paul Russell and Company of Essex, Massachusetts, (then known as Gullwing Service Company), to perform a restoration on his grandfather’s prized 300 SL. At this time, the younger Burden opted to have the interior trimmed in correct, black, surface-dyed, Roser leather and added a set of matching fitted luggage. The US-market bumper over-riders were omitted upon reassembly for a sleeker, European look. The concave-star grille, fender-eyebrow welting, Sudrad wheels, and large-type Sekurit-logo etchings on the fixed glass, correct for early production examples, are present. It is believed that this car’s matchingnumbers engine was fitted with the sport camshaft during restoration and the block was accordingly stamped NSL in the proper location. The NSL engine was standard on the alloy-bodied cars, but was available as an option on steel-bodied Gullwings as well, and was rated at 240 hp. The work was completed in 1987 and the Gullwing stayed in its original family for the next 12 years.

In 1999, Edward Burden sold the Gullwing and it was acquired by the current owner, an automotive enthusiast and collector of the highest order, who recognized this 300 SL’s outstanding presentation and notable pedigree. In the 23 years since, the Gullwing has been maintained by experienced mechanics as part of a diverse collection of high-performance racing machines built throughout the past century.

Offered with belly pans, a Becker Mexico radio, tool roll, jack, German-made keys, manual, and fitted luggage set, the Gullwing displayed a scant 28,556 miles when catalogued, having covered just 9,000 miles over the past four decades.

It is clear that this Gullwing is an outstanding example, from its known history with a prominent American family, to its Paul Russell and Company restoration, to the doting care it has received in the years since. Gooding & Company is proud to offer this very special Gullwing for your close inspection and consideration.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled as 4500090.