The missing Alloy Gullwing was unearthed and sold last year. Buried under ancient computer hardware for decades, the car fetched over $1m and will undergo a complete restoration. Will it be worth $4.6m when completed?

This clever sculpture of the SLR coupe would have undoubtedly brought a smile to man behind the original car were he still with us today, Rudi Uhlenhuat. Giants of Steel's craftsmen delivered a remarkably well proportioned rendering of the original 302 hp straight-eight 300SLR coupe.

The attention to detail extends to the dual spares nestled in the trunk. Wire wheels were sourced from scrapped motorcycles. Most of the styling cues from the original car are present: rectangular tail lamps, license plate lights and the "D" insignia on the trunk.

The inspiration for the 300SLR art car sits in the paddock at California's (then) Laguna Seca Raceway circa 1964. Two examples were constructed in the mid '50s under the guidance of Mercedes-Benz Technical Director Rudolph Uhlenhaut. Both are retained by Daimler Benz and will never be sold.

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1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K Mayfair Roadster Special Roadster.

1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Presidential Landaulet

1939 Mercedes-Benz S Erdmann & Rossi Cabriolet. Unusual coachwork featuring many styling ques later found in the 500/540K cars.

1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet A. You see all the 500/540k styling cues in this 290. It appears much as a 7/10s scale 540k roadster.

1956 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Cabriolet.

1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. This is the best of the best in a 300SL roadster - last year, disc brakes, alloy block and an extensive group of accessories and documentation. The Frank and Beverly Spellman roadster.

The Spellman roadster deserves another look.

1928 Mercedes-Benz S Murphy Roadster. This car was sold last year at Gooding almost to the day in unrestored condition for north of $3m. Now in black with nickel plated brightwork, the hot rod S looks smashing.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing.

1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster.

1922 Mercedes 28/95 HP Targa Florio Race car.

1929 Mercedes-Benz S Tourer.

1943 Mercedes-Benz 770K Pullmann Limousine. Thomas Taffet purchased this 770K - the last 770 constructed - post sale last year at Gooding and embarked on a full restoration, a super human effort in just 365 days.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing. This was one of the first Gullwing entrusted to the European press corps. The legendary Bill Boddy was one such scribe.

1927 Mercedes-Benz S Rennwagen.

1915 Mercedes 28/60 HP Towncar.

1929 Mercedes-Benz S Erdmann & Rossi Cabriolet.

1904 Mercedes 28/32 HP Rear Entrance Tonneau.

1911 Benz 200 HP "Blitzen Benz."

1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL noted in the catalogue as an alloy(?) Roadster.

1931 Mercedes-Benz 370S Mannheim Cabriolet(?)

1929 Mercedes-Benz 710 SS Touringwagen.

1934 Mercedes-Benz 380K Zapon Roadster.

1928 Mercedes-Benz SS Tourenwagan.

1908 Mercedes-Benz 150 HP Race Car.

1927 Mercedes-Benz SSK Open Two Seater.

1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. The first MB painted (467)tunis beige!

1906 Mercedes 120 HP Grand Prix.

1908 Benz Grand Prix.

1911 Mercedes 50 HP Maythorn Five Passenger Tourer.

The year's poster car, the Moss/Jenks SLR may never travel abroad again. We hear it will rest safely and permanently in Germany due to its massive value.

Gooding & Co's top lot: The prototype 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa #0666. Its $16.4m sale is the most expensive recorded automobile auction result. Unlike the subsequent production TRs, 0666 featured de dion style rear suspension and a transaxle. The dramatic pontoon fender design theoretically aided brake cooling but was soon abandoned.

250 GTO 4219 rests by the beach during Sunday's mind boggling display of GTOs. Gloriously tatty due to owner Brandon Wang's penchant for originality, the 'Dyer blue' series 1 is one of the least raced and most original GTOs.

250 GTO 5571: Only three series 2 or GTO/64s were originally constructed - a handfull of series 1 GTOs were rebodied in the 64/LM style over the years - incorporating the mid-engine 250 LM's more efficient aerodynamics. Note the more pronounced windshield rake compared the blue series 2 above. This car won the epic 1964 Daytona Continental 12 hour with Phil Hill and Pedro Rodriguez at the wheel.

Where was Gooding's 2011 Monterey star in 1962? Sitting in Bev Spencer's driveway... This image was likely taken either before or after a blast up the winding Crystal Springs road near our residence in Hillsborough, Ca.

Bev Spencer idling 0666 through a parking area during a press day for the Oakland Airport road races circa spring 1962. The early pontoon fender design was an artistic masterpiece in aluminum but inefficient aerodynamically. The upcoming GTO was more sublime but no less gorgeous.

It's late 1962 and Bev Spencer has 'borrowed' Laguna Seca Raceway for some track time with 0666 and his most recent acquisition, the ex-Cunningham Maserati 151 Le Mans coupe. A Buick dealer in San Francisco, Spencer uses a very early new 1963 Riviera as the tow vehicle. This would begin a tradition that would continue with the race cars.

Hillsborough Concours May 1963: Spencer idles 4219 out of the show. The car arrived via TWA at the San Francisco Airport at 5 am that very morning. Three of Spencer's five sons look on.

Arriving back at the Del Monte Lodge in Pebble Beach after a race day at Laguna Seca, Bev Spencer pauses for a quick photo circa fall 1963. Enzo Ferrari was feuding with the Italian Racing Authorities concerning homologating the 250LM and began entering his cars in Europe under the North American Racing Team (NART) banner and finished in NART's white/blue paint livery. Spencer followed suit with his first GTO. Number nine would become the Spencer racing number until the money ran out. On concours Sunday, the Pebble Beach entries file onto the lawn about 20 feet beyond the nose of the Riviera.

The diminutive Frank Crane exits Laguna Seca's turn 9 in 4219 chased by a Doug Theim in his mid-engine 246 Dino Ferrari and (probably) Harry Heuer in the Meister Brauser Chaparral. The GTO never missed a beat during Bev Spencer's ownership.

Candlestick Park Road Races 1965: A/B production Corvette specialist Bill Sherwood swings 5571 into the Spencer pit after some evaluation laps Saturday afternoon. Spencer hired professional road racer Augie Pabst to drive the car at Candlestick. Sherwood raced Spencer's 1961 Le Mans winning 250 Testa Rossa this weekend.

5571's only competition outing for Spencer was an eventful affair. Pabst was squeezed entering turn one after the green flag and the resulting contact crushed the aluminum coachwork onto a front front tire. Hastily stopping - and forgetting to pull he emergency brake - Pabst jumped out and pulled the offending aluminum off the tire. Here we see him sprinting back to jump in the GTO and resume the chase well down on the pack. A missed shift while furiously trying catch up holed a piston, ending Augie's day in 5571.

It's spring 1965 and Phil Hill seems pleased to be reunited with 5571. With co-pilot Pedro Rodriguez he won the Daytona Continental 12 hours 15 months earlier in the car. Looking fresh after an engine rebuild and a cosmetic restoration, 5571 would soon be sold. Taking a look in the background we see the tail of Spencer's daily transportation, a new 330GT 2+2, and sundry new Buicks. Hill was over for dinner and fascinated us all with reports of his latest racing exploits. He was negotiating to join Jim Hall's Chaparral Can Am effort for 1966 during this time. These were fabulous days indeed.

Lot #009 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.10.002898 ENGINE NO. 198.980.10.002959: Disc brakes, hard top, tools, factory luggage, matching numbers, undated restoration, mechanical restoration attended to by Bill Richardson, estimate: $700,000 - $850,000 ------ SOLD for $852,500. 172 Anthracite Grey/Red leather, Euro Headlamps, recent extensive 'body-on' restored under the watchful eye of Dr. Phil Lufty. Euro headlamps, polished wheels, black license plate CA car, dare Luggage, slight fuel door misalignment, gorgeous paint and trim combination - a (sensible) color change I believe , period style Talbot outside mirror, spotless fresh engine area w/correct finishes/decals, soft top only, disc brakes and cast iron engine block. Phil Lufty has been creating superb vintage Mercedes-Benz for decades, carrying on a passion fostered by his father. $852k is certainly Gullwing price territory but the price received reflected the color/trim combination and Dr. Lufty's penchant for perfection. Compare this result with that of lot #154, a roadster presenting quite a different appearance.

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Lot #010 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet CHASSIS NO. 112.023.10.004451 ENGINE NO. 189.985. 10.000176: ex Margaret Rockefeller Strong, 4-speed manual gearbox, correct color/trim combination, no substantial condition information provided by the catalogue. Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000, no reserve ------ SOLD for $79,750. Probable US model, Bosch driving lights, nice street condition chrome, missing lower rocker cover finishers, mis-aligned deck lid, 4-spd manual gearbox, Kuhlmeister AC, faded upper dash wood, recent era velour carpet, fully dyed slightly crispy interior leather, crudely patched left rear floor area, uniform paint fish-eye and orange peel. Not a particularly interesting 112 cabriolet and lacking much attention to cosmetic details. We're having great difficulty locating 111/112 cabriolets of any description hence buyers can only be so picky when presented with an opportunity to buy an reasonably attractive example. A 112 cabriolet has a massive downside risk should its 189 series engine - $20kish to correctly rebuild - be loosing its edge. And there is the issue of the eternally finicky air suspension. An average example at best, if the engine and suspension are solid this cabriolet was market correct at just below its low estimate.

Lot #029: 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.040.10.023853 ENGINE NO. 121.928.10.001761: Weber carb conversion, generally unrestored, blessed by Alex Finigan, 60k miles showing possibly correct, correct engine, $60,000 - $90,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $68,750 ------ I did not have a chance to inspect this SL but I did have a chance to speak to the winning bidder - a long time acquaintance of MercedesHeritage.com - and the loosing bidder - MecedesHeritage.com's number one client. The buyer was comfortably at home bidding online with a Scotch in one hand. He must have been musing that since that guy Roy Spencer hadn't been able to find a car for him, he'd simply take matters in his own hands (with a little scotch induced courage) and click the mouse. He's a lucky guy as he paid only $1,000 more than the two most precise Dutch 190SL experts on the planet. Based on this fact I have to consider this attractive 190SL well bought. Good job Chris.

Lot #037 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL CHASSIS NO. 113.043.10.000894 ENGINE NO. 129.982.10.000572: factory 5-speed, 22k KM from new, three owners, full documentation, Philips record player(!), extensive history, an extraordinary original survivor, ex-Phil Lufty, Estimate: $110,000 - $140,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $126,500. 050 white, body #860, 22,600 km showing, missing horizontal rear panel trim rubber, correct white grey bumper inner surfaces, small area of rust(?) repair in the rr inner wheel well area, perfect shut lines, excellent chrome, chrome wheel arch moldings, matching hood/lid cover body numbers, weathered firewall pad, original soft top(?), Philips record player, Euro car w/chrome trip piece under license plate area, clean inner wheel wells. I inspected this car in Arizona some years ago and it was obviously a gorgeous, largely untouched survivor 250SL. The record player was a revelation. It was not for sale at that time. It's really a lovely car with a subtle patina of age, our favorite condition. But $126,500? This figure will buy some very interesting pre-1972 open Mercedes-Benz although none showing 13,500 miles on the clock. Mileage and presentation multiplied the price by a factor of roughly 3. Not sure if the new owner will be able to see this figure again anytime soon so I'll regard Dr. Lufty's amazing 250SL as well sold.

Lot 067 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.7500526 ENGINE NO. 198.980.7500469: silver/red, documented from new, handbooks, tools, ready to tour, re-stamped replacement NOS factory engine block installed circa 1976, engine rebuilt again circa January 2000, Estimate: $475,000 - $550,000 ------ SOLD for $638,000. Misc stone chips, dirty wheels, polished rims flat and cloudy, non-pleated leather, starting instructions attached to the dash not encouraging as to a healthy running roadster, obviously wrinkled left front inner apron from collision damage, repaired chassis down tube where secured to the chassis triangle at firewall area, aux cooling fan. This roadster certainly did not enhance Gooding's reputation for presenting high caliber offerings. Did the buyer pay almost $100k over the high estimate because of a fundamental confidence in Gooding's ability to source, inspect and qualify their generally superb offerings? A moderately discerning buyer would have ignored this roadster. Well sold.

Lot #068 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.042.7501671 ENGINE NO. 121.921.7501692: red/tan, color changed from Strawberry Red, recent service, restored in 1995 to AACA standards, recent cosmetic freshening, Estimate: $45,000 - $60,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $52,800. Odd switch mounted on steering column, incorrect clock, poor sill finishing, misc fresh chrome, late style California license plates, missing jack point covers, pitted windshield surround, extensive paint orange peel, matching hood body number, missing paint code tag. This was a decent looking 190SL and the hammer price was $48kish hence a fair value. There aren't acceptable street condition 190Sls around every today corner and I would consider this car a fair value if the mechanical condition allows safe and enjoyable touring.

Lot #107 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.040.9502307: white/black, A Charitable Donation from Sheryl Crow, engine rebuilt circa 1993, negligible records, hardtop, Estimate: $50,000 - $80,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $143,000. Two tops, missing hard top base trim, average panel fit, presentable fairly correct interior, 66,278 miles showing, aftermarket gas cap, missing visors, heavy paint shrinkage on hard top, very clean undercarriage, possible floor patch passenger foot well area, coded 050 white, tidy engine bay, Solex carbs, probable original fenders. Of course we had extra value here due to the proceeds being donated to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. My split would be approximately $53k for the car and $90k for the charitable Foundation. A wonderful purchase from a kind buyer.

Lot #136 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica CHASSIS NO. JB 100: late series John Bentley Engineering replica, last chassis of the series, Estimate: $90,000 - $120,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $68,200. Evidently the last John Bentley/Daimler-Benz Patent-Motorwagen re-creation. Prices for these jewels vary and $80k-$100k was the market 5-7 years ago. No so today and even the ether of Mercedes-Benz'125th anniversary couldn't lift #100s price. In the next 5-10 years, this may look like a good buy. Well bought.

Lot #144 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL CHASSIS NO. 113.044.10.021487 ENGINE NO. 130.983.10.007554: both tops, blue/blue, 4-speed manual, misc reconditioning over the years including work in Costa Rica, last year of 113 production, largely original, Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $82,500. Probably color changed to medium blue non-metallic, grey/blue leather, moldy interior, all heater levers broken, dash face still silver, 4 spd, no AC, loose side windows, poor hood fit, no headlight bezel area body 'creases', crude rust repair in the trunk, complete rear body 'light' panel replacement and probable deck lid as well, heavy undercoating. I had to check the catalogue again to make sure I had the correct car as I read my notes. $82k is ludicrous for this barely average, poorly maintained SL. But of course there were two interested parties who drove each other to 280SL oblivion in this case. A perplexing result for which the seller must be thanking his/her lucky stars. I'll put this sale down to another serious case of auction fever. Well sold does not begin to describe this sale.

Lot #154 The 1960 Copenhagen Motor Show 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.10.002509 ENGINE NO. 198.980.10.002552: Blue Grey/Tan, both tops, tools, matching numbers, single family owned through 2010 a 'garage' find, stored for three decades, 15,000 original miles, vast patina, original spare tire, no mention of whether the car will run, Estimate: $700,000 - $900,000 ------ SOLD for $962,500. Blue in 'as-found' condition hence unwashed, probably a high percentage of original paint, grungy exterior chrome will likely clean up nicely, what looked like rust would begin to disappear with some gentle rubbing, 15,009 miles showing, uneven length rocker peak lines side to side, perfect shutlines, original bias ply tires, creased front bumper, misc coachwork dimples, stored unused for 3 decades in Garden City New York, weathered engine bay, no mention of the whereabouts of the soft top lid cover, obviously a significant find in the 300SL world. The $962k selling price further establishes the market's recognition of survivor, unrestored automobiles regardless of manufacturer. Restoring this time-warp roaster to any significant extent will negate the premium paid for its extraordinary originality. My plan would be to entirely re-commission the car technically, carefully clean the interior, replace the tires, clean the windows (not the rest of the car!) and use it. How many more untouched extreme low mileage 300SLs exist? Certainly not many and I would consider this wonderfully aged roadster fairly bought.

Lot #025 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB CHASSIS NO. 100.012.12.000735: white/blue, three owners from new, highly original, 71k miles, re-commissioned after long term storage, Estimate: $90,000 - $120,000 Without Reserve ------ SOLD for $88,000. Micro blistering deck lid, misc stone chips nose area, misc paint blemishes - scuffs/scratches - over many panels, minor windshield delamination, decent street level chrome, misc paint blend lines, overspray passenger door handle, very nice wood, original leather, nice tool roll, hydraulic spares kit, tidy engine bay, handbooks, recent invoices totaling $26,750 that included a valve job (water in the oil) and front suspension bellows wisely displayed on the driver's seat, 70,601 miles showing, probably a well sorted driver 600 SWB. Bringing this 600 forward cosmetically will require a bare metal respray and misc chrome adding a further $30k to the new owner's investment. $118k invested in a mid year non-sunroof low demand color/trim 600 SWB would be strong in my viewpoint, hence I feel this Grosser was a little pricy.

Lot #209 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet 11102712001432: Signal Red/Cognac, bare metal respray in 2004, floor shift, fresh leather in 2005, serviced by Old Timer Restorations, Estimate: $140,000-$180,000 US ------ SOLD for $154,000. A rare original 568 Signal Red 3.5, rude flat black engine bay inner aprons, poor front bumper chrome, Ziebart holes in door shut faces, door jamb VIN plate mounted backwards, newish cognac leather, inertia reel seatbelts, shiny but wavy coachwork, tool roll, nice trunk floor, rear tow loop partially ripped from undercarriage, poor rocker chrome to body fit, grungy undercarriage. I was asked to ponder this particular Cabriolet this last spring for a client, ultimately rejecting it after viewing undercarriage images. Priced at $165k at that time, the car was simply not 'crisp' enough for us to recommend to our client. Instead we sourced a nut and bolt restored (by the highly respected Lothar Motschenbacher) Silver/Black console auto CA 3.5 for $179k. While it was $25k more than this red 3.5, it was in fact a better buy. This red car would have to be disassembled and restored to achieve the same quality of the silver Motschenbacher restored car. The extra $25k we asked our client to spend was a bargain for Motschenbacher quality. Lot #209 was not for the picky 3.5 Cabriolet buyer but should offer the new owner a flashy top down cruiser at mid market money.

Lot #211 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis No. 198042-10.003019: signal red/tan, disc brakes, matching numbers, serviced by RM Auto Restoration, Becker Mexico radio, fitted luggage, single top, Estimate: $650,000-$800,000 US ------ SOLD for $687,500. Upper nose panel replaced, black highlighted 300SL insignia, slightly wide right door gap, Becker Mexico radio, disc brakes, correct engine, tools, one piece of luggage, no data on original color, based on the catalogue description there was some re-commissioning required likely from lack of use. The roadster market is gradually telling us that we need to spend in the mid $600k range and up for a sorted 'driver' 300SL roadster, particularly of one if is after a disc brake car. Are we approaching the top of a 5 year price trend?

Lot #219 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Chassis No. 198.040-6500214: black/red, restored by RM Auto Restoration in 2007, single owner through 2007, belly pans, 56k miles indicated, Estimate: $850,000-$1,100,000 US ------ SOLD for $836,000. Vin indicates a 1956, body off restored by RM in 2007, single ownership from 1957 to 2006, color changed from the original red to black, perfect chrome, Dunlop Roadspeed tires, spectacular coachwork, 56,143 miles showing, no luggage, excellent headliner and interior, essentially a faultless Gullwing that radiated perfection although sold at the low estimate. The right money for an exceptional Gullwing.

Lot #232 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen, Chassis No. 408383: black/black, from the William Lyon Family collection, 5-speed gearbox, one-off 'Spezial' coachwork, recent inspection by Mercedes-Benz Classic Germany, probable numbers matching 540K, transmission/steering box correct to the series, Estimate: $3,500,000-$4,500,000 US ------ SOLD for $4,620,000.

Lot #236 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Coupe by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 130944: from the Lyon Family Collection, 1936 Paris Salon car, copy of original build sheet, matching numbers, modern shocks, older restoration, ex-Mozart(?) Estimate: $3,250,000-$4,500,000 US ------ SOLD for 3,080,000. A rare 540K coupe, ex-1938 Paris Salon show car, ex-John Mozart, restored in the '60s and showing a fair amount of weathering particularly the interior, road driven quality undercarriage, both spare wheels showing rust, discolored bumper faces, oxidized and pitted lower control arms, a 'driver' 540K coupe if there is such a thing.

Lot #242 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 154140: silver/blue, from the Sam and Emily Mann collection, restored circa 1999, Pebble Beach class winner 2004, Estimate: Available Upon Request ------ SOLD for $9,680,000. 1 of 25 Spezial Roadsters, long tail covered spare coachwork, From the Sam and Emily Mann collection. Best of show Amelia Island 2011, magnificent in every respect. A commodity likely more stable than gold.

Lot #245 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Chassis No. 198.0405500621: silver/black, two California owners from new, restored by Kevin Kay Restorations 1999-2003 at a cost of $375,000, luggage, sport cam, belly pans, rudge wheels, original leather remnants provided(!), 3:64 final drive, Estimate: $650,000-$850,000 US ------ SOLD for $803,00.

Lot #247 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 105380: red/tan, from the William Lyon Collection, inspected by Mercedes-Benz Classic, later series 500K transmission, fully restored, Estimate: $4,000,000-$5,000,000 US ------ SOLD for $3,767,500.

Lot #249 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 130945: black/black, transitional early series 540K, restored by Thomas Taffet circa 1994, 100pt Pebble Beach class winner 1996, restored again(!) by Taffet circa 2008, Estimate: Available Upon Request ------ SOLD for $2,970,000.

Lot #250 1935 Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet D Chassis No. 104569: black/tan, restored 1999-2000, Best Interior at Ault Park in 2002, CCCA National show winner, Estimate: $200,000-$300,000 US ------ SOLD for $275,000. I had the unexpected chance to inspect this 290 during a Gullwing buying trip to Indiana earlier this year. The Levine restoration was holding up very nicely. While this Cab D looks reasonably handsome top up it becomes rather awkward looking with the massive top heaped over the rear quarters. Once back in CA I had a chance to chat with our our pre-war MBZ expert, Thomas Taffet, about the $275k asking price. Taffet laughed and pegged the value at an unrepeatable low figure - less than half of the asking. The $275k realized reveals that wise experts can sometimes misjudge the market. The seller got the price he quoted me in April less the sellers' fee. The price realized for the car would barely cover (California) restoration costs hence one could argue this pre-war open Mercedes was not a bad buy.

Lot #251 1924 Mercedes 28/95 Sport Phaeton by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 27003: yellow/black, sympathetic restoration in the '90s, rare coachwork, Estimate: $900,000-$1,200,000 US ------ SOLD for $1,017,500.

Lot #263 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe Chassis No. WDDAJ76F76M001188: grey/tan, 2007 New Yord Auto Show car, 4,000 miles, just serviced, Estimate: $240,000-$280,000 US ------ SOLD for $242,000. Montana plates, essentially a new SLR, market correct for an early coupe and still more than a new SLS. Does this mean the outrageous SLR will outpace the new SLS in future value? I think so.

Lot #264 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster Chassis No. 11304210018632: ivory/tan, 4-speed manual, minor paintwork over the years, 'original and unrestored', 30,000 kms, Euro model, recent attention by Mercedes-Benz Classic Center Irvine, CA, Estimate: $75,000-$100,000 US ------ SOLD for $82,500. Body # 3712, 670H Ivory, new firewall pad, uniformly pitted chrome except bumpers, missing tail horizontal chrome seal, reproduction spare tire cover, deck lid never disturbed, SS exhaust, collapsed engine mounts, my notes indicate a mileage/km reading of 53,457. I suppose like Phil Lufty's 250SL, extreme low mileage (about 18,000 miles as per RM) warrants a hefty premium. It's a shame this buyer wasn't aware of our single owner 1964 230SL w/52k miles earlier this year. It was far ahead of this Euro car on every front other than miles and was fitted with perfect original cognac leather. We sold that car to Europe in May for... $39,000. In lot 264's case mileage certainly trumped quality. Very well sold.

Lot #8541 1937 Mercedes-Benz 230 A cabriolet Creme over burgundy fenders, no substantial information regarding this specific car in the catalogue other than 'restored several years ago to a high standard and has been properly maintained ever since. Described as in good working condition, the vehicle has been fully finished for the auction.' No estimate ----- no sales results

Lot #8574 1972 Mercedes-Benz 250 C Coupe: tobacco brown with ivory roof/tan interior, unrestored, automatic, power windows, repainted twelve years ago, 150k miles, California car, No estimate. ------ SOLD for $6,050. We were not able to inspect this cute coupe but if things were in good, immediately usable order, we would consider this fairly bought.

Lot #8533 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible Conversion, converted to open configuration from (presumably) a 3.5 coupe, $30,000 spent on the conversion/restoration. No estimate. ------ SOLD for $50,600. We always lament the loss of a perfectly good 3.5 coupe to create an often crudely converted 3.5 Convertible. $50k buys a 'best of breed' sunroof, floor shift 3.5 coupe. We'd rather have the coupe. It's fair money however for this conversion if it was reasonably well performed.

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The author's simple but spotless 280SE sedan lines up next to some heavyweights. Grey skies prevailed most of the day.

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Keith Morgan attends to his class 4 winning 1971 300SEL 3.5. His air suspension 109 series sedan is fairly rare with only 3,225 units constructed in 1971.

Pat Matthews' gorgeous and highly original 300Sc coupe took 2nd place honors in Class 2. Only a handful of these fuel injected 188 series coupes were constructed.

Carole Osselaer's tobacco brown 1972 350SL captured 1st place in class 3/5. When will these early 107 SLs finally become collectible?

As a Fintail addict, I would kill to own Pat Matthews' amazing 4 speed 230S Fintail. Remarkably original in every respect - except the newly fitted 15' Universal wheels - and fitted with a floor mounted 4-spd and sunroof, it's one special Fin. It placed 2nd in class 4.

One of my favorites at the show, this restored 0319 kombi was spectacular in every respect. The result of an expensive decade-long restoration, this gem was a welcome relief to the usual Mercedes-Benz fare at the show.

Peter Thomas looks justifiably satisfied with the most audacious and expensive rig at this year's Legends. The 194 re-creation was secretly constructed over 5 years on a cost no object basis. It's a masterpiece of fabrication. The blue Renntransporter was originally commissioned by Mercedes-Benz to replace the original it crushed in 1967. Both are for sale from MercedesHeritage.com.

Steve Ross' always in vogue Champagne (473) 560SL captured 2nd place in class 3/5. 560SLs are always in style and MercedesHeritage.com has 3 in stock.

Legends at the Legends: l-r: Sammy Rad, Eli Benhamo, Wally Buch and Pat Matthews. A serial Mercedes-Benz hunter, Sammy R. bought the Golf Club gardener's 280SE low-grille coupe after spying it in the parking lot!

Another favorite of mine, this light custom Gullwing is always a nice diversion from the politically correct restored Gullwings. With lots of chrome, candy burgundy paint and other subtle modifications, this Rudge wheel GW makes quite an impression.

The meticulous Wally Buch (in the tan hat) chats all things Mercedes next to his spotless black (040)/tan roadster. Nary a bolt has been left unturned in his effort to fully sort his SL.

Will Clark surveys the proceedings next to his Rudge wheel 300SL roadster.

The Chad and Barbara Hunt Gullwing.

A contrarian hit at the show was this road warrior quasi AMG retro 300SEL 3.5. Owner Udo Putzke bought the car for $500 and 'personalized' it extensively. Legends will have to create a new class next year to accommodate this wild 108 sedan.

It was a fine day for Jeff Lotman and restorer Jurgen Klockemman. Lotman's freshly body-off restored 1961 Roadster picked up 1st place in class 1.

Bronze and black 2-tone 111 3.5 sunroof coupe.

This creme 300S coupe was an interesting addition as it exuded an comfortable patina. I'm not so sure this is a correct period color.

Bob Buckter stands proudly next to his attractive two-tone 1960 220SE cabriolet. The color scheme was specially conceived by Bob, a professional colorist.

Pat Matthews' glorious deep blue 300Sc roadster sits next to his maroon Sc cabriolet.

Moss Green 280SL.

The epitome of middle '50s elegant and reasonably rapid continental transportation, Pat Matthews' stunning 300Sc Cabriolet glows even under grey skies. It won the People's Choice award.

Frank Pecarich's 1967 250SE coupe?

May 6, 1961: The fledgling Gullwing Group stages its first portrait at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Roadsters would eventually join the club. Average value of a Gullwing when this image was taken? About $3,900.

50 years on, club founder Ernie Spitzer is still an active figure in the club. Spitzer sold his 'best of the breed' Gullwing last year. Extraordinary W194 re-creation is at right.

Star of the gathering? Peter Thomas' spectacular 194R Silver Arrow made its world debut June 10. Only 7 original W194s exist and this car is perhaps the only opportunity for a private party to acquire a virtual duplicate of the original. Contact Roy Spencer @ 650-343-7980 for more details.

For students of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix racing history, the sight of the transporter was a vivid reminder of the exploits of Moss, Fangio and Lang during the 1954/1955 Grand Prix seasons. This transporter is the only example in existence aside from the Factory's replica.

Two new SLS gullwings and the zany Renntransport joined the group as well. A new SLS costs twice the combined value of the original 29 Gullwings photographed in 1961!

Ultimately the Gullwing's fate is determined by dedicated current owners and motivated future buyers. Based on the enthusiasm of this group we can be confident the Gullwing's next 50 years will be as secure as the last 50.

The SLSs join the group and dwarf the original cars in mass, technology and horsepower. While not appreciating as yet, the new 197 series cars are showing excellent price stability.

Lot #009 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.10.002898 ENGINE NO. 198.980.10.002959: Disc brakes, hard top, tools, factory luggage, matching numbers, undated restoration, mechanical restoration attended to by Bill Richardson, estimate: $700,000 - $850,000

Lot #010 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE Cabriolet CHASSIS NO. 112.023.10.004451 ENGINE NO. 189.985. 10.000176: ex Margaret Rockefeller Strong, 4-speed manual gearbox, correct color/trim combination, no substantial condition information provided by the catalogue. Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000, no reserve

Lot #029: 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.040.10.023853 ENGINE NO. 121.928.10.001761: Weber carb conversion, generally unrestored, blessed by Alex Finigan, 60k miles showing possibly correct, correct engine, $60,000 - $90,000 Without Reserve

Lot #037 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL CHASSIS NO. 113.043.10.000894 ENGINE NO. 129.982.10.000572: factory 5-speed, 22k KM from new, three owners, full documentation, Philips record player(!), extensive history, an extraordinary original survivor, ex-Phil Lufty, Estimate: $110,000 - $140,000 Without Reserve

Lot 067 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.7500526 ENGINE NO. 198.980.7500469: silver/red, documented from new, handbooks, tools, ready to tour, re-stamped replacement NOS factory engine block installed circa 1976, engine rebuilt again circa January 2000, Estimate: $475,000 - $550,000

Lot #068 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.042.7501671 ENGINE NO. 121.921.7501692: red/tan, color changed from Strawberry Red, recent service, restored in 1995 to AACA standards, recent cosmetic freshening, Estimate: $45,000 - $60,000 Without Reserve

Lot #107 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL CHASSIS NO. 121.040.9502307: white/black, A Charitable Donation from Sheryl Crow, engine rebuilt circa 1993, negligible records, hardtop, Estimate: $50,000 - $80,000 Without Reserve

Lot #136 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica CHASSIS NO. JB 100: late series John Bentley Engineering replica, last chassis of the series, Estimate: $90,000 - $120,000 Without Reserve

Lot #144 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL CHASSIS NO. 113.044.10.021487 ENGINE NO. 130.983.10.007554: both tops, blue/blue, 4-speed manual, misc reconditioning over the years including work in Costa Rica, last year of 113 production, largely original, Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000 Without Reserve

Lot #154 The 1960 Copenhagen Motor Show 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster CHASSIS NO. 198.042.10.002509 ENGINE NO. 198.980.10.002552: Blue Grey/Tan, both tops, tools, matching numbers, single family owned through 2010 a 'garage' find, stored for three decades, 15,000 original miles, vast patina, original spare tire, no mention of whether the car will run, Estimate: $700,000 - $900,000

Lot #025 1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB CHASSIS NO. 100.012.12.000735: white/blue, three owners from new, highly original, 71k miles, re-commissioned after long term storage, Estimate: $90,000 - $120,000 Without Reserve

Lot #209 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Cabriolet 11102712001432: Signal Red/Cognac, bare metal respray in 2004, floor shift, fresh leather in 2005, serviced by Old Timer Restorations, Estimate: $140,000-$180,000 US

Lot #211 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis No. 198042-10.003019: signal red/tan, disc brakes, matching numbers, serviced by RM Auto Restoration, Becker Mexico radio, fitted luggage, single top, Estimate: $650,000-$800,000 US

Lot #219 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Chassis No. 198.040-6500214: black/red, restored by RM Auto Restoration in 2007, single owner through 2007, belly pans, 56k miles indicated, Estimate: $850,000-$1,100,000 US

Lot #232 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen, Chassis No. 408383: black/black, from the William Lyon Family collection, 5-speed gearbox, one-off 'Spezial' coachwork, recent inspection by Mercedes-Benz Classic Germany, probable numbers matching 540K, transmission/steering box correct to the series, Estimate: $3,500,000-$4,500,000 US

Lot #236 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Coupe by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 130944: from the Lyon Family Collection, 1936 Paris Salon car, copy of original build sheet, matching numbers, modern shocks, older restoration, ex-Mozart(?) Estimate: $3,250,000-$4,500,000 US

Lot #242 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 154140: silver/blue, from the Sam and Emily Mann collection, restored circa 1999, Pebble Beach class winner 2004, Estimate: Available Upon Request

Lot #245 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Coupe Chassis No. 198.0405500621: silver/black, two California owners from new, restored by Kevin Kay Restorations 1999-2003 at a cost of $375,000, luggage, sport cam, belly pans, rudge wheels, original leather remnants provided(!), 3:64 final drive, Estimate: $650,000-$850,000 US:

Lot #247 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Roadster by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 105380: red/tan, from the William Lyon Collection, inspected by Mercedes-Benz Classic, later series 500K transmission, fully restored, Estimate: $4,000,000-$5,000,000 US

Lot #249 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 130945: black/black, transitional early series 540K, restored by Thomas Taffet circa 1994, 100pt Pebble Beach class winner 1996, restored again(!) by Taffett circa 2008, Estimate: Available Upon Request

Lot #250 1935 Mercedes-Benz 290 Cabriolet D Chassis No. 104569: black/tan, restored 1999-2000, Best Interior at Ault Park in 2002, CCCA National show winner, Estimate: $200,000-$300,000 US

Lot #251 1924 Mercedes 28/95 Sport Phaeton by Sindelfingen Chassis No. 27003: yellow/black, sympathetic restoration in the '90s, rare coachwork, Estimate: $900,000-$1,200,000 US

Lot #263 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe Chassis No. WDDAJ76F76M001188: grey/tan, 2007 New Yord Auto Show car, 4,000 miles, just serviced, Estimate: $240,000-$280,000 US

Lot #264 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster Chassis No. 11304210018632: ivory/tan, 4-speed manual, minor paintwork over the years, 'original and unrestored', 30,000 kms, Euro model, recent attention by Mercedes-Benz Classic Center Irvine, CA, Estimate: $75,000-$100,000 US

Lot #8541 1937 Mercedes-Benz 230 A cabriolet Creme over burgundy fenders, no substantial information regarding this specific car in the catalogue other than 'restored several years ago to a high standard and has been properly maintained ever since. Described as in good working condition, the vehicle has been fully finished for the auction.' No estimate

Lot #8574 1972 Mercedes-Benz 250 C Coupe: tobacco brown with ivory roof/tan interior, unrestored, automatic, power windows, repainted twelve years ago, 150k miles, California car, No estimate.

Lot #8533 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Convertible Conversion, converted to open configuration from (presumably) a 3.5 coupe, $30,000 spent on the conversion/restoration. No estimate.

This 280SL was a victim of a home foreclosure in Georgia. When the lender finally got around to assessing and selling the foreclosed property they were greeted by this sad SL still sitting in the garage. Circumstances must have been dire to force the former owner to abandon the house and the car. It's a non-runner with some rust but the best of the best regarding color/trim and options. How about an original silver 280SL with full black leather, both tops, automatic, Frigiking AC, tinted glass and roof rails? Eminently savable, this cool restoration project just arrived at the MercedesHeritage headquarters.

Are there still hidden Gullings lurking in garages around the country? There are but a few that are still undiscovered. The owner of this 1955 Gullwing contacted MercedesHeritage a few years ago inquiring about a possible sale. In the family since 1958, the car had been off the road for over 34 years and hadn't moved an inch in 15 years. While the luggage and tools were missing, it was still fitted with its original belly pans and its original concave grille star. Originally a 050 white car with blue MB tex, this Gullwing was an ideal candidate for a full body-off restoration. My careful inspection reveled tolerable rust and superb overall structure. And checking the coachwork with an electronic paint depth indicator revealed very little filler. There should be few surprises when the paint comes off this homely Gullwing. It arrived last week and will emerge in a few years restored to perfection.

Sometimes there are fabulous cars hiding closer than we realize. I've been unwittingly driving by this "yard" find roadster three or four times a year during my trips down California's glorious Hwy 1. It had been sitting barely 50 feet off the road just north of Santa Cruz. Relatively complete with its non-matching number engine on a stand in the garage, this 534 Fire Engine Red roadster had been sitting in the owner's front yard with a tarp over it for years! The clutch, gearbox and ancillary items were buried in a rotting shed in the garden. This is a find that we ultimately weren't able to buy. Our deal soured due to the aging and slightly addled seller continually changing our agreement. The finial demand of a partial payment of $100,000 cash in a paper bag torpedoed this deal. It has been sold however and is also in line for a restoration.