This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is one of approximately 1,400 examples built between 1954 and 1957 and was purchased by the current owner’s foster father in 1968 before being gifted to him in 1984. The seller reports that the car was driven less than 1,000 miles after 1977 and has not been started since 1984. Now showing 83k miles, this Gullwing is powered by its original fuel-injected 3.0-liter inline-six, which is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. It is finished in Fire Engine Red over a black leather interior and equipped with a Becker Mexico radio, two cockpit heaters, and three aluminum belly pans. Recent service included a cleaning of the fuel injection pump and a leak-down test. Chassis 198.040-6500286 is now being offered as a non-running project car on behalf of the current owner with a Daimler-Benz build sheet, a recent condition report, a partially-complete tool kit, factory jack, some records, and a Wisconsin title.

The 300SL features a tubular space-frame chassis with a welded steel body, as well as aluminum doors, trunk lid, rocker panels, firewall, floor pans, and belly pans. The current Feuerwehrrot (DB534) repaint is believed to have been performed in the 1970s. Dents and chips are noted, and imperfections are shown in detail in the gallery below.

Side vent windows do not close completely, and the car is equipped with removable shatter-proof side windows. Exterior brightwork shows signs of wear and pitting, but is said to be mostly complete.

Factory 15″ wheels retain their Mercedes-Benz hubcaps and wear older Michelin tires that are cracked. Age-related cracks in the brake lines are noted, and the factory drum brakes and wheel hubs are shown in detail in the gallery below.

The cabin is trimmed in Schwarz leather with a body-colored dashboard, while the seats feature adjustable backs and replacement belts. Factory ribbed-rubber floor mats are not present.

Equipment includes dual heaters, a non-glare rearview mirror, factory Becker Mexico TR radio, a tachometer, and a 160-mph speedometer. The dashboard clock has been replaced by a voltmeter, and the 5-digit odometer shows 83k miles, less than 1k of which were added by the current owner in 35 years. Cracks are noted on the steering wheel and its center emblem.

The 3.0-liter overhead cam M198 inline-six is equipped with Bosch fuel injection and an aluminum cylinder head. The engine has not been started since 1984, though it is said to rotate freely and a leak down test performed in 2017 showed between 10-22% loss across all cylinders. An inspection performed by 300SL specialist Albrecht Stachel revealed that the fuel system will require purging, and the fuel injection pump has been removed for cleaning and recalibration. Age-related cracks in the coolant hoses are also noted.

Stamping 198.980.6500292 is shown above and matches the included Daimler-Benz build sheet, confirming the engine as original. The chassis and body stampings can be seen in the gallery below.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission and 3.64:1 rear differential. The three factory aluminum belly pans have been retained, and underside rust-through is viewable in the gallery.

A partially-complete tool kit is included in the sale, as are the factory jack and some service records.

The included Daimler-Benz build sheet lists original numbers, colors, and US delivery.