Its 1954 New York debut marks the first Mercedes-Benz model not launched in Germany. The “SL” designation translated to English as “Lightweight Sports,” with race-bred features including an extremely light tubular frame, all-independent suspension and a 3.0L (2996cc) OHC straight-6 engine with dry-sump lubrication. Fuel injection was a production-car first. Power, rated at 240 HP at 6,100 RPM (SAE) and 215 HP at 5,800 RPM (DIN), was delivered through a 4-speed manual gearbox, rendering the 300SL the fastest production car of its time. Production of the semi-hand-built 300SL continued into 1957, with just 1,400 built in total, including 146 in 1954, 867 in 1955, 311 in 1956 and 76 in 1957, the latter completed as 300SL Roadster production commenced.

Finished in black over period-correct green and red plaid seats and green interior panels, this visually striking 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is the product of a comprehensive, bare-metal restoration completed by renowned Canadian Mercedes-Benz expert Rudi Koniczek of Rudi & Company in Victoria, British Columbia. Powered by a matching-numbers 2996cc SOHC inline-6 engine with Bosch fuel injection, this 300SL features a 4-speed manual gearbox, custom-made fitted luggage, 15-inch chrome wheels with center hubcaps, a correct tool kit and a Becker Mexico radio.