1955 Mercedes-Benz 300-SL Ostermeier Gullwing
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Body
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Coupe
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Transmission
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Manual
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Exterior Color
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Silver metallic
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Upholstery
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Leather
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Steering
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Lhd
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1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL OSTERMEIER GULLWING
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is widely regarded as a benchmark of collectible vehicles. No assemblage of significant automobiles is complete without one of these breathtaking machines, and original 300SL values reflect their status as “blue-chip” collectibles. As the 300SL slipped out of reach for the average enthusiast, the market for replicas and recreations grew accordingly. In the 1980s, a 300SL owner and former Mercedes-Benz employee named Anton “Tony” Ostermeier founded Gullwing International Cars to take the concept of a “replica” 300SL to a new level, designing a ground-up, exacting recreation worthy of sharing the spotlight with the iconic original.
Ostermeier cut no corners in developing his 300SL tribute using the finest available components and materials. Fundamental to the car was a welded square-tube steel chassis built similarly to the original’s tubular spaceframe. Keeping it in the family, Ostermeier fitted contemporary Mercedes-Benz steering, suspension, and running gear from donor W124 and W129s. The body is a millimeter-perfect copy, created using Tony’s original 300SL and factory bucks as patterns. Gullwing Cars made the bodies from GLARE, a fiberglass and aluminum laminate commonly used in the aeronautical industry to ensure accuracy and achieve the desired finish quality. While costly, the material provides a precise fit and a nearly flawless outer surface with superior quality and finishes compared to traditional gel coat fiberglass. Many of the trim parts, instruments and other details are so accurately produced that owners of original cars began using them on restoration projects, and even experts are hard-pressed to tell the difference between an Ostermeier SL and the real thing at first glance. Each Gullwing Cars 300SL took over 400 hours to complete and are highly prized by the lucky few who got one of the approximately 150 sold. Much like a Lynx D-Type Jaguar or Glenn Pray Auburn, Tony Ostermeier’s SLs are highly desirable and considered genuine collectibles in their own right.
This superb Gullwing Cars Coupe is an exquisite example with numerous desirable options, showing just over 2,700 miles from new. It was completed by Gullwing Cars early in 2000 and is presented in superb condition in a striking livery of smoke silver over brown leather trim.
Mechanically, the car consists of nearly all off-the-shelf Mercedes Benz components, starting with the well-established M103.942 engine, 5-speed manual gearbox & air conditioning. The factory-style chrome Rudge wheels wear authentic knock off wing nuts and brand-new period-style Pirelli Cinturato 185 VR 15 91V tires. Parts are readily available, and any experienced Mercedes technician will feel right at home under the hood. Disc brakes are at all four corners, and the Mercedes-derived suspension is specially tuned for balanced handling and ride quality. The engine bay is tidy and well-detailed and a testament to Tony Ostermeier’s meticulously engineered design. These are superb cars to drive, and their quality is apparent from the first turn of the key.
Climbing aboard an Ostermeier takes the same dexterity and practice as an original Gullwing. The wide sill and low seat make graceful entry an acquired skill, though the tilt-away wheel makes it considerably easier. Once inside, the cabin is again virtually indistinguishable from the original. Beautiful VDO instruments and chrome-plated switchgear pepper the body-colored fascia, and brown leather is used on the dashtop. This car has a correct original-type ivory two-spoke wheel and matching ivory shift knob. Only the revised shifter and the center console A/C fixtures give away the fact that this is no standard Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. The leather on the sills and seats is in lovely condition, as are the light brown square weave carpets, which replicate those used on SLs of the 50s.
The Ostermeier Gullwing is a joy to drive, with modern-era comfort and performance blended with classic styling and head-turning looks. With only 150 or so examples produced, Ostermeier Gullwings are extremely rare and seldom available on the open market. This excellent example is beautifully maintained, and ready to be driven and cherished by its next keeper.
Titled as a 2000 Special Construction vehicle
Offers welcome and trades considered
$ Price on request
STOCK NUMBER 7734
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