Previously Sold Cars

Description

Hilton and Moss are delighted to bring this Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ to the market. The W198 300SL is an incredibly rare machine with roughly 3,000 vehicles ever leaving the Sindelfingen factory split between both Coupes and Roadsters. Finding a vehicle that has not been fully restored and is presented in a near original and preserved condition is an even rarer feat.

Tucked away for over 25 years in a private collection this 300SL Gullwing has been sympathetically maintained helping preserve its originality and functionality. Dry stored and carefully kept both bodywork and chassis are almost entirely free of corrosion.  The car wears a charming patina gained from its 66-year life and is still finished in its data card correct Feuerwehrrot DB534 paintwork.

This particular 300SL Gullwing has a fascinating history. It was sold brand new in 1956 supplied to New York where a Dr Moffett of Denver Colorado took ownership of the vehicle. Dr Moffett owned the vehicle for a total of 16 years, in the final years the car saw little use and lived in a nailed shut garage to prevent thieves from stealing it. Dr Moffett eventually sold the 300SL in 1972. Little is known about second owner of the vehicle who had the Mercedes for a lengthy 17 years. In 1989 the vehicle was sold to an english collector who imported and registered the vehicle in the UK and begun using it for road rallies. An ultra-rare second generation Halda Speed Pilot rally clock was fitted to the vehicle at this time. Period correct for the car and still fitted to the 300SL today.

The English keeper kept the vehicle for 4 years before entering it into the 1993 Sotheby’s classic auction at the Royal Air Force Museum. It was at this stage the vehicle was purchased by its last keeper a member of offshores royalty who placed the car into a UK based classic vehicle collection.

It was here the car remained until Hilton and Moss acquired the 300SL in 2021. During the extensive 28-year storage period the vehicle was maintained by an in-house storage mechanic who kept the car running through regular servicing and general maintenance.

Due to spending a great period of its life in a dry US state or storage facility this 300SL is presented in an unrestored near preserved condition. The chassis and bodywork are corrosion free and the car is entirely complete down to every last nut and bolt.

Offered up for sale as part of a restoration contract this is a rare opportunity to own and restore an incredibly original W198. The specification can be tailored to a customers every requirement whether that be an entirely concours original car or for example a personalised colourway. Our state-of-the-art workshop facility allows for the entire restoration to be completed on site under one roof. From rebuilding the M198 engine to re-trimming of the interior our expert team of technicians can look after every element of the project.

Our expert sales team is on hand to help with any further questions on the vehicle, the finer details of the restoration can be outlined in further detail upon request.