Author: Aoife Moriarty
The car was driven by Moss during course reconnaissance for his 1955 victory in the legendary 1,000 mile Mille Miglia in Italy against teammate Juan Manuel Fangio.
Moss’ time of 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds and his average speed of 98.53 mph set records for the discontinued race that still stand. He put the victory down to the knowledge of navigator Denis Jenkinson who had been able to warn him “…of corners that could kill us, and of opportunities to stay flat-out and so save time” – thanks to their racing prep in the 300 SL.
The historically significant car will be sold at the auction house’s inaugural Mercedes-Benz sale at the marque’s museum in Stuttgart – along with some 40 other classic models.
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Described by Bonham’s as “one of the earliest surviving and most significant” of all Mercedes-Benz Gullwing coupes, it is also the original 1954 model launch vehicle first displayed in Paris.
The three litre, six cylinder motor was notable at the time as the world’s fastest production supercar. Recognisable by its dramatic ‘gull wing doors’ that opened upwards, it was available from March 1955 to 1957.
Fully restored to its original specifications, the vintage auto is reportedly expected to fetch well over one million Euros. Apart from making a handsome investment, it’s not too shabby in appearance either – as these pictures clearly demonstrate.
Bonham’s inaugural Mercedes-Benz Sale takes place July 12 2014 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany
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