1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL sells for $1.9 Million

RK Motors Charlotte Records Its Largest Sale in 2015, As 1954 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing Sells For $1.9 Million

Pristinely Restored 300 SL Gullwing Sets Three-Year Market High

CHARLOTTE (December 15, 2015) —Marking its largest single-vehicle transaction in 2015, RK Motors Charlotte today announced the $1.9 million sale of a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing.

In addition to setting a new company record for the year, the sale sets a new three-year high for a 1954 Gullwing, following a $2.2 million sale at the Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction in 2012.

“The ’54 Gullwing brought this record price because of its pristine condition and flawless mechanics,” explained Joseph Carroll, president of RK Collection, parent of RK Motors. “This typifies the exceptional quality of the vehicles we make available to car collectors both here in the U.S., and throughout the world. This is underscored by the fact that this transaction signifies a three-year high for a’54 Gullwing, establishing a new price-point in the collector car market.”

 

 

The 300 SL Gullwing, which helped visionary importer Leopold Poldi Bentley establish and build momentum for the Mercedes brand among enthusiasts in Western Canada, paved the way for the establishment of Bentley’s Vancouver-based Mercedes-Benz Distributor West Ltd.

The stunning silver-on-red Gullwing was eventually sold in 1956, and remained in that owner’s possession for 50 years. In the early 1990’s care of the Gullwing was entrusted to noted 300 SL restorer Rudi Koniczek and his team at Rudi and Company in Vancouver. Since then, Rudi and Company have kept the car in exceptional, original running condition, have repainted the exterior and restored its interior leather and headliner.

With only 45,687 original miles on its odometer, the four-speed Gullwing was sold with its original belly pans, tools, books, and optional Nardi steering wheel.

“This record-setting sale demonstrates that RK Motors vehicle presentation and marketing attracts the right customer base. Our no-upfront-fee consignment program delivers results and we continue to be a great option for anyone interested in consigning their collector car,” said RK Motors Director of Marketing Paul Tecci. “We consistently deliver a higher return than wholesale auctions. When you combine that fact with the personal service from our sales, acquisition and service teams it is clear why RK Motors Charlotte is a great alternative to auctions.”