Artcurial Motorcars unveils an automotive treasure in Paris

On 27 January, Artcurial Motorcars will present at auction its latest discovery: a mythical Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing in an absolutely astonishing, 100% original condition. Never restored, never dismantled, still bearing its first paint and fitted with the complete set of period sports options from the period catalogue, this exceptional automobile represents a truly unparalleled find.

Only 34,000 kilometers from new, entirely original, never restored and equipped with every period sports option.

Delivered in Paris with a simply outstanding specification, this 300 SL Gullwing is one of the very few examples fitted with all the sporting specifications shared by the 29 aluminum-bodied cars. It is equipped with the full complement of sports options offered at the time, including the highly sought-after NSL engine, Rudge wheels, as well as sports suspension and springs. This car is one of only 30 examples delivered new in France and one of just 106 finished in the rare Graphit Graü colour.

Displaying only 34,000 original kilometers, the car retains its first paint, its natural leather interior, its complete factory mechanical components, original accessories, luggage, tool kit, its first registration plates and even the dust that has protected it through the years.

A story that further enhances its mythical character

Originally delivered in Paris in 1956 to Claude Foussier, one of the first Coca-Cola importers in Europe and a multiple Olympic medal-winning shooting athlete, the car was acquired in 1961 by its second owner, Jean Piger, who owned it for more than half a century, until 2014. Upon emerging from long-term storage after eleven years of inactivity and exposure to varying weather conditions, only minimal intervention was required to return the car to running condition, revealing an exceptional level of mechanical and structural preservation. 

After a discreet period in Germany, where it was preserved like a piece of art and deliberately left untouched, the Gullwing returned to Paris. There, the story took an extraordinary turn: research conducted with the Paris Prefecture revealed that the car’s current custodian resides at the very same address as Claude Foussier, its first owner. By an astonishing coincidence, this 300 SL had returned to the garage where it was kept between 1956 and 1961, a remarkable alignment of circumstances.

Fully authentic and presented in its rarest and most desirable specification, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, one of the most celebrated models in automotive history is most likely the last completely original example in existence, and undoubtedly one of the most emotionally compelling.

A unique museum-quality masterpiece and exceptional automotive treasure, it is destined for the world’s most prestigious international Concours d’Elegance, within the highly coveted Preservation Class.

This automotive icon will be offered at auction by Artcurial Motorcars during its forthcoming Automobile Legends sale on Tuesday 27 January, the first highlight of Rétromobile week. The car will be on public display during the preview in the garage of The Peninsula Paris, alongside 70 other remarkable vehicles featured in this exceptional auction.