High stakes, fast-paced competition, head-turning cars – those sound like the things you’d see in a new action movie, don’t they? They’re also what you’ll find at a Barrett-Jackson auction. One of the stunning vehicles that crossed the block on Super Saturday at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction was an award-winning, meticulously restored 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe. After all the bids were in, the hammer dropped at $2.53 million. The best part? The proceeds will benefit charity.
Like many iconic performance cars, the Gullwing’s origins can be traced back to racing, specifically the Mercedes W194 endurance racer. The resemblance between the two cars is undeniable: Both have a long hood and a short deck, and use spaceframe construction, which resulted in the distinctive upward-opening doors. Like its racing ancestor, the Gullwing is powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six, although it uses direct fuel injection instead of the W194’s trio of Solex downdraft carburetors. According to the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Archive, the Gullwing’s M198 engine generates 215 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. Routed through a four-speed manual gearbox, those figures enable it to fly to speeds as high as 161 mph.
If it wasn’t for a meeting between the Daimler-Benz board of directors and Mercedes’ U.S. importer Max Hoffman, the Gullwing might not have ever been made. Hoffman’s lobbying for a sports car to sell in the American market resulted in the debut of the 300 SL coupe at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show in New York.
Ultimately, Mercedes made 1,400 Gullwings between 1954 and 1957. Production of this particular 300 SL was completed on August 12, 1955, after which it was shipped to the U.S. and sold to its first owner in Belmont, California. Following a series of subsequent owners, it was put into storage in the late 1970s. Under Hjeltness Restoration‘s expert care, this Gullwing received a comprehensive overhaul that was finished in 2008. The California-based shop, which specializes in 300 SLs, used its expertise to restore the drivetrain, suspension, interior, paint, chrome, and hardware to factory-correct condition. The Gullwing went on to stun an all-new generation of enthusiasts, winning Best Show Car honors at the 2008 International Gull Wing Convention and the prize for Best in Show at the 2011 San Marino Motor Classic. Most recently, it was serviced by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA to keep it roadworthy for years to come.
When it comes to iconic vehicles, originality and documentation can be just as significant as the condition and specifications. Despite the passage of more than 70 years, this 300 SL crossed the auction block at WestWorld of Scottsdale with its matching-numbers chassis, body, engine, differential, and steering box. In addition, it went to its new owner with extensive restoration documentation, tools, supporting records, and even factory-correct fitted luggage. The lucky bidder not only received a bona fide classic, but also the satisfaction of knowing that proceeds from the $2.53 million price go directly to the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation, which provides emergency assistance to California Highway Patrol employees and scholarships for their children.
Be sure to check out the docket of vehicles and automobilia that will be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction tomorrow. Register to bid here and buy your tickets here. If you can’t make it to the event, you can watch it live by clicking this link.
