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Mercedes Benz 300SL Aluminium

300SL

Model

Coupé

Year of construction

1203kg

Weight

215hp

Horsepower

3.0l in-line 6

Cylinder Capacity

Model History

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Aluminium is the rarest and most coveted version of the iconic 300 SL "Gullwing" — a masterpiece of German engineering and motorsport pedigree. Of the 1,400 Gullwings produced between 1954 and 1957, only 29 examples were constructed with lightweight aluminium alloy bodies, built specifically for customers who wanted performance beyond the standard road car.

These aluminium-bodied SLs were significantly lighter — by roughly 80–100 kilograms — and often came with uprated mechanical components such as sport suspension, vented brakes, and higher compression engines. The result was a road car that blurred the line between touring and competition, making it ideal for endurance rallies, hill climbs, and spirited road use.

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This Chassis

This exceptional 300 SL began its life as one of only a handful of aluminium-bodied Gullwings ever produced by Mercedes-Benz — a purpose-built lightweight variant designed for spirited performance and motorsport use. Delivered new to none other than Rob Walker, the renowned Scottish racing driver and team owner, the car quickly found its way into competition, recording not only fastest laps but also outright victories during its in-period racing career.

Originally finished in red, the car was soon repainted in white by Walker himself to match the signature livery of his private racing team. After its time with Walker, it passed to its second owner — again finished in red — beginning a continuous and well-documented chain of ownership that has been preserved to this day.

Recently restored with meticulous attention to detail, the car has been returned to its original delivery specifications, retaining its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and chassis. Combining rarity, racing heritage, and an impeccable provenance tied to one of the most influential privateers in motorsport history, this 300 SL Aluminium stands as a truly significant piece of post-war automotive culture.

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