Auctions

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One” is up for auction

In the mid-1950s, Mercedes-Benz launched a two-seater sports car inspired by the racing cars of the time, the 300 SL Coupe, and in 1957, the Roadster version of this model hit the market. It was produced until 1963, and 3,258 units left the production lines. One of them, the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One”, is up for auction.

This 300 SL Gullwing is the last of the 1,400 Roadster units produced and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of this model. It is finished in a combination of Fire Engine Red (DB 534) over Crème leather (1060) and was produced by special order and was exhibited at the International Trade Fair in Poznań in 1957.

As one of the most stylish and desirable cars of the decade, it made many headlines. He was often a participant in amateur rallies, road races and endurance races, where he attracted attention with his designs, but also often connected with global companies, business tycoons, movie stars and royal families.

So far, it has changed just four owners, and it has been with the current one for the last 25 years. It should be noted that this example is in truly exceptional condition and has retained its numbers-matching chassis, engine, body, gearbox, and front kingpins. It is powered by a 3.0-L 6-cylinder engine with 218 hp that enables a top speed of 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing “The Last One” comes with copies of its factory data cards, historic imagery, matching luggage, and a full set of belly pans. The auction will take place on November 22 and the estimated value of the car is $2,500,000 – $3,500,000 USD.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

Gallery:

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing "The Last One" is up for auction
Tuning

Brabus 1000 All Gray based on the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance

At the beginning of 2024, the German high-performance automotive aftermarket tuner presented the Brabus 930 based on the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance. Now from his workshop comes another project based on this powerful luxury sedan, the Brabus 1000 All Gray.

At first glance, extravagant Gray with lots of details gives a WoW effect. It is equipped with special front and rear spoilers that ensure better cooling and reduce lift, a rear diffuser with four red-illuminated titanium/carbon tailpipes of the BRABUS sports exhaust system, carbon exterior components, a SportXtra suspension module that lowers the luxury sedan by up to 10 mm, 22-inch sports ten-spoke Monoblock Z “PLATINUM EDITION”, which improves the car’s aerodynamics and driving stability.

The interior is impeccably finished in a monochromatic gray tone that exudes absolute elegance. It is decorated with soft and airy gray leather, high-gloss BRABUS Signature Carbon elements on the dashboard, steering wheel, central console and door panels, BRABUS carbon pedals and BRABUS aluminum door sills, and an illuminated BRABUS logo, which changes color in accordance with the ambient lighting of the interior. .

When it comes to the powertrain, the Brabus 1000 All Gray is powered by a new 4.5-L V8 biturbo engine adapted to the S63 E Performance hybrid powertrain, combined with an electric motor with a total output of 1,000 hp (735 kW) and an electronically limited 1,194 lb-ft ( 1,620 Nm) of torque, while driving. This is enough to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 290 km/h (180 mph).

Source: Brabus

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Brabus 1000 All Gray based on the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance
News

Willowbank Raceway bans EVs on track

EVs are some of the fastest cars in the world that we often see on race tracks. However, Willowbank Raceway has banned the racing and testing of all road-registered electric cars at the track.

This is not the first time that a track has banned electric vehicles, as Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia did so last year and Anglesey in Wales in early 2024. The only difference is that the ban on these tracks also includes hybrid vehicles.

Willowbank Raceway is a track in Queensland (Australia) built in 1985, and bases its ban on Australian Motorsport Agency (NEDRA) regulations and emergency response protocols. Some of the reasons are that electric vehicles pose a risk because the batteries release toxic and flammable gas after a crash, the inability to confirm that the fire on the car is extinguished, the danger of not being able to unlock the door from the outside after a crash, the danger to rescuers when trying to extract an unconscious driver from the car after a crash , the risk of not being able to push or tow an extinguished vehicle with available equipment, as well as the fact that cars need specific fire extinguishing systems.

The stated reasons may be valid, but some believe that the same reasons can be applied to other vehicles that have e.g. electric locks. Statistics show that electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than ICE or hybrid cars, but batteries still present a special challenge. They suspect that Willowbank Raceway is not being honest in its claims, as they have allowed supercars with electric modes like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, McLaren Artura and Lamborghini Revuelto to use the track.

Whether this decision is valid and whether it will be changed in the future remains to be seen.

Source: Drive

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