An unrestored 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is set to appear at auction in Paris later this month, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most revered sports cars ever built in untouched condition. The car will be sold by Artcurial on Jan. 27, with pre-sale estimates ranging from 2 million to 5 million euros, placing its potential value near $6 million.
The Gullwing, long celebrated for its engineering and distinctive upward-opening doors, is widely regarded as one of the most important sports cars of the 20th century. This particular example stands out not only for its rarity but also for its complete lack of restoration. The car remains exactly as it was last used, with original paint, uncleaned interior surfaces, and visible dust throughout, including on the seats.
According to auction details, this car is one of only 30 examples delivered new to France. It was ordered in January 1956 with every available sport option by Paris industrialist Claude Foussier. The car changed hands in 1961 and remained with a subsequent owner for decades before falling into long-term disuse. By the time it was sold again in 2014, the car had not been driven for 11 years.
Despite that neglect, the Gullwing reportedly required only basic servicing to run again, including new spark plugs, a battery, and fuel. That mechanical resilience has added to the car’s appeal, reinforcing the reputation of the 300 SL’s advanced engineering.
The car’s history took an unusual turn after subsequent ownership changes brought it back to Paris. Research later revealed that the current owner lives at the same address as the original buyer, meaning the car now resides in the very garage it occupied nearly 70 years ago. That unlikely return has become a notable part of the vehicle’s provenance.
Power comes from a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission, originally rated at approximately 235 horsepower. Only 60 examples of this specific high-performance configuration were produced, featuring upgrades intended for competition use, including suspension and engine enhancements.
While the car remains unrestored, its future appears anything but uncertain. Artcurial has indicated the Gullwing and its next owner are expected to be invited to the next Concours d’Elégance at Chantilly, where the car’s originality and history are likely to draw significant attention.
Via Artcurial