For many automotive enthusiasts, the story of the modern supercar starts with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Debuting in 1954, the model teamed a beautiful aesthetic, capped off by those statement “gullwing” doors dictated by the lightweight tubular frame construction, with a performance punch from the 2,996-cc M198 straight-six engine. Making 215 horsepower to yield a top speed of 163 mph, it was recognised as the fastest production car in the world.

Naturally, such a legacy ensures that every 300 SL is significant. However, the car offered here holds a particularly exceptional and fascinating backstory. A very early example, chassis 198.040.4500012 was built on 24 September 1954. Originally specified in the signature shade of Silver Grey Metallic over a blue vinyl and blue plaid fabric interior, according to its factory data card, it was a designated “Standwagen” (show car) and destined for “Automobil-Salon, London”. The records further note that it was fitted with engine number 198.980.4500022.

During October 1954, it was driven from the marque’s Stuttgart headquarters straight to the United Kingdom to feature on the Mercedes-Benz stand for the 39th edition of the International Motor Exhibition held at London’s Earls Court; a sister Gullwing served as a demonstrator at the event. This very Gullwing attracted the world’s press, was photographed by many, and filmed by British Pathé as the revolutionary doors drew a crowd.

There, this road-going evolution of the W194 endurance racer also caught the attention of celebrated privateer Formula 1 and sportscar team boss Rob Walker, who became the first British customer to purchase a 300 SL, buying this car directly off the stand. However, he would never take delivery. Per the account of Ron W Waghorn, employed with Mercedes-Benz Great Britain and tasked with looking after Walker’s cars, this example was swiftly taken to the roads around Hatfield to be shaken down by a group of engineers. A short while later, their Mercedes-Benz colleagues were met not with the returning Gullwing but by the police, who relayed that in damp and slippery conditions on the A1, chassis 198.040.4500012 had lost control and spun backwards into a tree.

The rear bodywork and spare wheel bore the brunt of the impact. Accordingly, the car was returned to Germany to be repaired. Finally, in May 1955, the 300 SL was registered for the road for the first time to serve as a demonstrator for Mercedes-Benz GB and given the registration number “RGO 30”, which it retains to this day. In January 1956, the Gullwing was purchased by Carr & Co’s Noel Carr, a racing driver heir to the Carr’s Biscuits fortune who operated as a spare-time car dealer. Seven months later, Carr sold this Gullwing to its first private owner, Mr Charles Gardner. Having bought the car on 24 August 1956, the Gullwing would later spend around 20 years off the road and stored in a barn at his Sussex apple farm. Mr Gardner then transferred the car to his daughter, who re-registered it in France. Eventually, in October 2000, the Gullwing returned to the UK under the custodianship of Mr Gardner’s son, and it has remained in his family ever since.

The consigning family then co-ordinated a five-year body-off restoration that spanned November 2005 to April 2010. At this point, the odometer was reset. Since the rebuild, this wonderful 300 SL has been repeatedly serviced by leading classic Mercedes-Benz specialist Kevin O’Keeffe, while Martin Cushway rebuilt the gearbox in 2015 before HK Engineering overhauled the differential in September 2021. The Gullwing heads to auction following an August 2024 service, having also passed an MoT with no advisories shown.

Refinished in its original colour combination and complemented by the rare and highly desirable Rudge centre-lock wheels akin to how it featured at the Earls Court Motor Show, plus workshop manual, and extensive document file, this very early 300 SL Gullwing boasts a remarkable history in addition to retaining its matching-numbers chassis, body, and engine. Due to the pre-production nature of this Gullwing, its build sheet does not contain other numbered component records, however the front kingpins and differential all date from 1954. Furthermore, this Gullwing retains various features distinct to early examples. Thanks to MoT certificates on file dating back to 1977, the car is believed to have a total mileage of approximately 54,000 from new, with the Gullwing recorded at 40,483 before undergoing restoration.

Having captured the world’s imagination at Earls Court some 70 years ago, chassis 198.040.4500012 is very likely to be the last “Standwagen” to be offered from single private ownership. A truly tantalising opportunity, this richly historied Gullwing would be an extremely rewarding prospect for its next owner.