From Junkyard to Jackpot: Rare 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Alloy Gullwing Heads to Auction
What would you pay for a car that’s been sitting in a junkyard for nearly five decades, hit by a forklift, and stripped of some original parts? If it’s a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Alloy Gullwing,’ the answer could be as much as $9 million AUD. This dusty relic, one of only 29 lightweight aluminium-bodied versions of the iconic Gullwing, is expected to fetch between $6.7 million to $9 million AUD at Sotheby’s auction as part of The Junkyard: The Rudi Klein Collection.
The Story of a True Unicorn
The 300SL ‘Alloy Gullwing’ isn’t just any Mercedes—it’s an automotive legend. Nicknamed the ‘Gullwing’ for its signature roof-hinged, upward-opening doors, this model was built between 1954 and 1957 and became a sensation for its unique design and unmatched performance. The car on auction is truly one-of-a-kind: the only aluminium-bodied Gullwing to leave the factory with Schwarz black paint (since repainted in silver) paired with a red leather interior. This rare combination, alongside the original aluminium alloy body, engine, and transmission components, make it a standout even among the 29 other ‘Alloy’ models produced.
An Unexpected Journey
Purchased in 1976 by Rudi Klein, the Gullwing landed in a Los Angeles junkyard in 1977, where it spent decades gathering dust. Over the years, Klein removed various parts—including bumpers, gear-shift knob, and toolkit—and in 1981, he accidentally backed into the car with a forklift, leaving a visible dent on the rear. Despite these quirks, the car’s rarity and originality are expected to draw eager collectors from around the world.
Racing Heritage and Ferrari Connections
The 300SL also boasts a storied past, initially owned by Ferrari legend Luigi Chinetti. Known for his role in establishing Ferrari’s North American Racing Team (NART) and winning Le Mans three times, Chinetti reportedly bought the Mercedes to examine its cutting-edge engineering as he was setting up Ferrari dealerships across North America. This Ferrari connection adds another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating history.
Iconic Engineering: The Alloy Advantage
Designed by Friedrich Geiger, who later mentored legendary Mercedes designer Bruno Sacco, the 300SL Alloy Gullwing was built for performance. With its lightweight aluminium body, the Alloy version shed an impressive 95-160kg compared to the 1295kg steel version, while the uprated ‘NSL’ engine pushed 240hp (197kW), 20hp more than the standard model. The combination of a lighter body and upgraded engine allowed the car to hit 140mph (225km/h) and achieve a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of just 7.7 seconds.
The car also features a 3:42:1 differential, which, coupled with the famous Bosch direct fuel injection system and a four-speed manual transmission, enabled swift acceleration. Completing the sleek design, the car includes Plexiglas windows and alloy wheels to reduce weight further.
Market Performance: An Iconic Investment
The rarity of the aluminium-bodied 300SL Gullwing has led to some remarkable auction results. In 2022, another Alloy Gullwing sold for $10.24 million AUD, underscoring the market’s appetite for this iconic model. Even steel-bodied versions of the 300SL fetch millions, but the aluminium body, along with the model’s unique configuration, has elevated the Alloy Gullwing to a collector’s grail.
Will This Junkyard Treasure Break Records?
Collectors are already speculating on the price this ‘diamond in the rough’ will command. Although it may bear the scars of its decades in a junkyard, including forklift damage, this 300SL Alloy Gullwing is a time capsule of mid-century automotive excellence. For the right buyer, this piece of motoring history is priceless—a genuine symbol of the innovative spirit of the 1950s.
As it prepares to roll across the Sotheby’s auction block, this once-forgotten Gullwing is set to capture the hearts of enthusiasts once more. From junkyard to jackpot, the journey of this 300SL is a testament to the timeless allure of true automotive icons.