• Matching chassis, engine and body
• Delivered new to the USA
• Returned to Europe in 1980
• High-quality restoration in the 1990s
• Present ownership since 2011
• Meticulous maintenance by the French specialist in 300 SLs
• Originally equipped with the rare long axle ratio option (1:3.42) allowing speeds in excess of 160mph

"When it was first announced by Mercedes-Benz, the production 300 SL Coupé was a startling car built to the German concern's customarily startling standards, but above all what left the general public most open-mouthed about the new car was its upward-opening Gullwing doors...!" - Motors, 1963.Post-war, Mercedes-Benz had returned to competition in 1952, fielding two of its new 300 SL (W194) sports cars in the Mille Miglia.

The pair finishing a creditable 2nd and 4th overall in this most difficult of events, and this promising start was followed up by a win in the challenging Carrera Panamericana.

The works first raced the 300 SL (Sport Leicht) in open form, but...