A Chicago family that has owned a pair of rare, vintage Mercedes Benz 300SLs since the 1950s is putting the cars up for auction – and it could be a record breaker.
The two cars –a Gullwing and a Roadster – are both in pristine original condition and have a total of just under 50,000 miles combined, which make them a dream for the serious car collector. Renowned auction house Gooding & Company is set to unearth the rare pair at the Pebble Beach Auctions in California from Aug. 18-19. Besides their impeccable condition and low mileage, the fact that the two cars are being auctioned together could very well set a sale record.
The 1955 Gullwing, one of 1,400 cars of its kind made and outfitted in the rare color of British Racing Green over tan leather, was originally purchased by a car-aficionado, publishing executive from the Windy City in the mid-1950s and is estimated to be worth $1-1.3 million. Meanwhile, the Silver-Blue Metallic 1957 Roadster, complemented by a gray leather interior and a parchment soft top, amazingly still retains its original matching Karl Baisch luggage set and is worth an estimated $800,000-$1 million. As for who currently owns the two luxe autos? The publishing executive’s son, as the cars have remained with the family over the last six decades.
For more information, and to purchase tickets to The Pebble Beach Auctions, visit goodingco.com.
