There’s often quite a premium paid for the first or last of something, especially in the world of classic cars. Early Gullwings are generally the most sought after – as we saw last week at the Rudi Klein Junkyard auction – and now at the other end of the spectrum, RM Sotheby’s will offer the last Gullwing ever built, at a special event alongside the Las Vegas Grand Prix on 22 November.
The last Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, Chassis no. 7500079, was a special-order ‘Standwagen’ to be shown at the 1957 Poznan International Trade Fair. It has passed through just four owners since new, with the current custodian keeping it for 25 years. Presented in the factory-correct shade of Fire Engine Red with creme leather, it’s importantly complete with all of its matching numbers component – from chassis to gearbox. It’s estimated to sell for $2,500,000-3,500,000.
Following on from a similar auction held last year, RM Sotheby’s returns to Las Vegas for Grand Prix Race Week, partnering with amfAR and Wynn Las Vegas to present a star-studded auction. amfAR’s inaugural Las Vegas benefit will take place on 22 November, the eve of qualifying, and will be hosted by Octane contributor Jay Leno, honouring Sylvester and Jennifer Stallone, and will feature a performance by the Diana Ross.
Last year, RM auctioned one of Sir Lewis Hamilton’s race-winning Mercedes F1 cars, which went on to become the most valuable modern Formula 1 car ever publicly sold, at $18.8 million. This year’s star F1 lot is a 2006 McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21, tested by a young Lewis Hamilton and driven by Juan Pablo Montoya in period. Designed by Adrian Newey in his final year with McLaren, it features the debut of the 750-hp Mercedes-Benz FO108S V-8 engine. Restored by McLaren Racing Heritage in 2019, this rare car comes with a McLaren Certificate of Authenticity. it’s estimated at $2,800,000-3,500,000.
