The alloy-bodied 300 SL is one of the rarest production cars of all time.
Of course, a figure like this is to be expected given this four-wheeler’s pedigree and provenance. Chassis number 5500332, nicknamed the “Weckerlé Alloy,” represents one of only 24 aluminum Gullwings built in ‘55 and is considered one of the rarest production cars of all time.What’s more, this particular rarity is one of only a handful to retain its original, numbers-matching 3.0-liter NSL inline-6 engine, high-speed 3.
The Weckerlé Alloy was also treated to a meticulous restoration by Paul Russell & Company that was completed in late ‘79. In addition to refreshing the body and mechanical components, the team added new gaberdine upholstery and a matching set of luggage. The quality of the work was to such a high standard that the revamped ride was later named “Best Gullwing” at the Gullwing Group’s 1980 National Meeting, and went on to appear at shows, events and rallies all across the country.
To put the $6.8 million auction price into perspective, the 300 SL coupe originally cost just $6,820 back in the ‘50s . That means the car’s value has increased nearly 10,000 percent, outperforming the S&P 500 by a factor of 10 over that time.