1954 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Papillon"

This early-production Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” W198 (chassis 198. 040. 4500032) was completed in late 1954 and delivered new to Mercedes-Benz Zürich on 2 November 1954. Shortly thereafter, it was exported to the United States, where its first owner was Mr. Lloyd C. Harriman of Troy, Michigan.

The next three American owners are all documented in the renowned Eric Le Moine Gullwing Register. During its time in the U.S., the car underwent a comprehensive restoration, during which the original blue-grey check cloth interior (code L1) was replaced with the current red leather upholstery. The restoration was completed in the car’s original factory color, DB 180 Silver Metallic, matching its body number (198. 040. 4500026).

Documentation accompanying the car includes an Arizona Certificate of Title listing RM Auctions Inc. as the registered owner—used to facilitate importation to Germany in May 2011, at which time the odometer showed 3,358 indicated miles – indicated*.

Arriving in Germany in 2011, HK-Engineering are subsequently listed in the Eric Le Moine Gullwing register before being registered to its first Bielefeld based owner. A second Bielefeld-based collector acquired the car in 2018 and has retained ownership to the present day.

Since its arrival in Germany, the Gullwing has been maintained by renowned specialists Esdar Klassische Fahrzeuge and Jürgen Kassen, with full service records available upon request. Importantly, no other dealership or workshop in Germany has completed any work on the vehicle since its arrival in Germany in 2011.

Documented Service History

• 15.05.2012 – Comprehensive service by Esdar Klassische Fahrzeuge (4,624 miles indicated)

• 22.07.2017 – Valve adjustment by Esdar Klassische Fahrzeuge (4,651 miles indicated)

• 08.03.2023 – Full inspection by Jürgen Kassen, Oerlinghausen (4,753 miles indicated)

• 08.06.2023 – Additional inspection by Jürgen Kassen, Oerlinghausen (4,753 miles indicated)

Viewing by appointment only please for this early production Mercedes-Benz Gullwing W198

Chassis-Nr:    198. 040. 4500032

Motor-Nr:       198. 980. 4500036

Karosserie Nr: 198. 040. 4500026