SLR roadster and ivory Gullwing front grand Trachtenbergpalais Kempinski Hotel located in the heart of Dresden.

Grey, wet weather greets the group.

Breathtaking view high above the fog shrouded Elbe river.

A few of the 83 300SLs lined up at a small airfield awaiting a stunt plane demonstration.

A serious performer closed up against the elements: $1m Stirling Moss Edition SLR rests in the courtyard of the Trachtenbergpalais Kempinski Hotel. What a glorious piece of automotive sculpture!

Gullwings and Roadsters touring Germany.

When was the last time you saw a non-metallic green 300SL of any type? The bumperless red GW looks like its spent some time on the track - note the yellow tow loop next to the number plate.

Gullwing "Speedster" a result of damaged roof/doors having been sawed off! Vaca Valley, CA circa 1962.

Chuck Porter Mercedes 300SLS Chevy special at this time owned by Peter Culkin

Fuel injected Corvette engine in Chuck Porter 300SLS(scrap) special.

Peter Culkin's much raced and rarely damaged Gullwing.

Pat Matthews' glorious - and with only 53 constructed exceedingly rare - 300Sc Roadster was an early arrival.

Bruce Canepa (Canapa Design, Scotts Valley CA) can always be relied on to display a showstopper. His 1962 Black/Black Roadster featured some rare factory options: 6" wheels, 3.23 final drive ratio and high compression engine. Bruce noted the car produced 190hp at the rear wheels on the chassis dyno. Pathetic in today's world, 190hp is serious power for a roadster. Canepa was coy about the price, noting it was sold for north of $700k. Look at the razor sharp reflections in the door and front fenders - a result of precise metal preparation.

Jim Morris performed most of the restoration on his 1959 220S Convertible himself. 14" wheels - 220s were originally fitted with 13" wheels - aid drivability by effectively raising the final drive ratio.

Gerry Holzapple's understated 173 Grey 280SL is a blend of largely original interior and fresh chrome adorning bare metal resprayed coachwork

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A 280SL presented in a most unusual color/trim combination. Craig Hartman's Moss Green/Green full leather 280SL is gorgeous and correct. Green on Green! One of my favorites and a car I restored some years ago prior to selling to Craig.

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Who in their right mind would fully restore a 220SE sedan? Pat Matthews! He saved what is quite a rare ponton sedan, 1 of the 1,974 fuel injected examples. How many had sunroofs?. Probably less than 100. This sedan is indeed a rare car.

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Byron and Myra Brill's 1971 280SE 3.5 is finished in Midnight Blue(904) with Parchment leather, a rich and desirable combination. Proper 3.5 Cabriolets easily bring $100k+ today and deservedly so. A well sorted example is a comfortable, quick and eminently usable classic today.

Greg Hubit managed to snag this extraordinary low grille 280SE Cabriolet out from under the noses of a number of SF Bay area enthusiasts including this editor. It is also an original Moss Green/Green leather car - like Greg Hartman's 280SL a few cars above - and fitted with a green soft top. It showed only 16k miles(!) on the odometer when he purchased it a few years ago. It is certainly one of the lowest mileage, original 111 chassis convertibles in existence. I'm still depressed at missing this car.

The heavyweight of the Mercedes-Benz on display, Arturo Keller

Who in their right mind would fully restore a 220SE coupe? Pat Matthews! These cozy coupes were largely hand crafted by Mercedes-Benz and cost twice as much as the base six cylinder sedan, the 219. Pat's car is stunning in Midnight Blue with Grey leather.

Larry Brackett is a certified Mercedes nut having owned 60 or 70 examples over the decades. He's not interested in the classics, however, and just added a new SLS to share his garage with this SLR. According to Larry his new SLS is vastly more user-friendly than his SLR.

Larry Brackett's dilemma is what to drive on Sunday morning, the new SLS in the foreground or his SLR behind. What a dilemma!

Chuck and Sue Cortsen's cheery 1953 220 Cabriolet A is a prewar design carrying 170 styling cues. The faired in headlights tell us this is a post war 220.

Sigi Appelt's stately 1960 300d looks quite smart in Silver with acres of Red trim. Three liters and fuel injection provided a respectable 160hp for the ponderous "Adenauer." Only 3,077 were constructed.

300SLs were well represented. Rudge wheels complement this Silver/Red roadster nicely.

Susan Hoebich's 190SL was fitted with slightly(!) non-standard ostrich skin interior trim. The car is fitted with the large rear window hardtop introduced during the 1958 model year.

Event sponsor Academy of Art University provided their 540K Convertible B (4 passenger convertible w/rear quarter window) in recognition of Mercedes-Benz as the featured marque.

Lot #377: 1969 280SL. Purchased by the current owners in San Jose in 1990, it was used as a family car and enjoyed for a few years on the occasional weekend drive. It was put into dry storage a few years later and stayed there until 2009 when it was taken out and received several mechanical updates, including rebuilding of the fuel injection pump, fuel injectors, and fuel supply pump by Bosch of San Francisco. Additionally, the starter and the injection pump thermostat were rebuilt, and a new transmission filter kit was installed. All fluids, gaskets, seals and spark plugs were replaced along with the rear suspension trailing arm bushings. It also received a complete chassis lubrication, and the car was fitted with period Phoenix 14-inch tires with a ¾-inch whitewall.The sales estimate is $45k-$55k. Be sure to visit our SL Research Database to learn about this charming era of SLs before you bid.

Lot 379: This 1958 190 SL Roadster was carefully restored as originally delivered in a four-year process that was completed in May 2010. Bodywork included the removal and repair of all rusted body panels, followed by replacement of the original Glasurit Daimler Silver Grey paint with an identically matched PPG two-phase Metallic Silver finish. The car’s underside was refinished in an original 169 Grey. Atlanta’s R. Rabon furnished the red leather interior upholstery, as well as the new carpeting and convertible top, while Superior Chrome of Houston, Texas restored the grille, bumpers and brightwork. North Hollywood Speedometer restored all instruments, including the clock. This SL is also a no reserve lot with a catalogue estimate of $60k-$70k.

Lot #244: 1958 190SL. With an older, high quality, ground-up restoration by Robert Platz of Camden, New Jersey’s Precision Auto Works, this very fine example earned Grand National First Prize honors from the AACA in 1993. Finished in factory correct light green (“Perlmutter Gruen”), the 190SL continues to present beautifully throughout, including its dark green leather upholstery and engine bay, which are correct and clean in presentation. Features include an AM/FM pushbutton radio, translucent sun visors, matched luggage and a tool roll, as well as VDO instrumentation and a VDO electric clock. Catalogue estimate of $80k-$100k.

Lot #224: 1960 220SE Convertible. This beautifully restored 220SE Cabriolet has been driven very sparingly and remains in near perfect, virtual show-quality condition throughout. Virtually devoid of cosmetic imperfections, the car presents very nicely with a show-quality undercarriage, a beautifully trimmed interior and a properly detailed engine bay. Other items include a stainless-steel exhaust system, a desirable Becker Mexico radio, a properly fitted convertible top and a set of period-style wide whitewall tires. Estimate: $150k-$200k

Lot #313: 1952 300 Cabriolet D. This example was properly restored in Missouri by its current owner approximately twenty years ago. Receipts are available upon request providing evidence of the work completed. The restoration has endured the years very well, and the vehicle, though driven a bit, has very nice chrome and a nicely detailed engine bay. The original sales brochure is included with the car. It is equipped with Bosch driving lights and rides on Firestone whitewall tires. Overall, this is a nice example of a rare and seldom seen convertible that offers the exclusivity of a coachbuilt car and the quality of a classic Mercedes-Benz. Estimate; $60k-$90k

Lot #374: 1961 300 SL. This wonderful example from 1961 was purchased new in Newport, California and spent most of the intervening years in Coronado, California. Approximately 10 years ago, the current enthusiast-owner acquired it from Paul Russell in Boston, Massachusetts. Since it was already a beautifully running and driving car, the 300 SL was purchased with the intention to be driven and enjoyed first and then restored later. Accordingly, it was shipped to the new owner’s home in Florida, and soon after, it was serviced, had the belts and hoses changed, and was entered into the New England 1200 classic rally, as well as driven from Florida to New England and back – a total of 3,800 miles. It performed flawlessly. Next, the 300 SL was driven in the Florida 1000 classic rally, running through Northern Florida and Southern Georgia, again performing as it should and accumulating another 1,750 miles. Estimate: $500k-$575k

Lot #320: 1955 300SL. This handsome 300SL, sporting red paint with tan leather interior, has been regularly used in driving events and is fully sorted mechanically. The odometer reads just 77,000 miles, which are believed to be original. Factory original fitted luggage is also included, and the color matches the interior perfectly, further providing evidence that the interior (which has a lovely patina) is most likely original. Inside, you’ll find a Becker Le Mans radio and, in the trunk, the original jack and a complete tool roll (reproduction). All exterior body panels are straight and true, and the undercarriage is equipped with belly pans. This is an exceedingly nice driver quality 300SL that would be welcome at competition and driving events wherever its owner might choose to participate. Estimate $450k-$550k

Lot #319: 1957 300SL Roadster. This striking red roadster with tan leather interior and tan German canvas top was regularly used by its owner in driving events. It has a solid, rust-free body with very nice paint and chrome. In addition, it shows evidence of having been well cared-for and regularly maintained. The trunk is lined with the correct square-weave material, and the jack and complete tool kit are included, both of which appear to be in their original bags. The 300SL today remains one of the greatest production automobiles ever produced and will be forever recognized for sheer performance, heritage, engineering and overall excellence in an automobile. This car is no exception and one that any enthusiast would be proud to own. Estimate: $400k-$450k

Lot #371: 1936 540k Special Cabriolet. The original owner of s/n 130913, William A. Burden, took delivery in Paris, although Mercedes-Benz factory records indicate the car was shipped to New York. There are several possible explanations, but the most likely of these is that the car was ordered through the New York agency but then diverted to Paris at Burden’s request. Mr. Burden was the patriarch of an established and very wealthy East Coast family with the grandest homes in New York City and relationships to other established families, the Vanderbilts included. In a letter written in 1969 by Burden to the car’s second owner, Herbert Jaffe of Woodbury, New York, Burden relates that he “drove it abroad for several summers, then brought it to the United States.” He goes on to describe the other Mercedes-Benz models he had owned before buying the 540K, including a Model K, Model S, SS, SSK, and 770! Even more interesting is Burden’s explanation of the car’s striking styling. His intention was to “produce something that would give an effect similar to the racing Mercedes of that period,” but as one can see from the car, the results were somewhat different. Nonetheless, the Mercedes-Benz is truly remarkable. With its skirted rear fenders and fully disappearing top, it is very sleek looking, while the car’s unique and graceful radiator shell and twin rear spares give the body a French-influenced European flair. The prior owner acquired the car from Roy Jaffe in 2005 before it joined a large private collection in 2007. Today, it continues to benefit from the comprehensive professional restoration that was commissioned by Mr. Jaffe and completed by LaVine Restorations of Nappanee, Indiana. Mechanically, the restoration included a comprehensive rebuild of the original Roots-type supercharger, and in addition, the chassis, suspension, steering and braking systems were restored with all parts either reconditioned or replaced. Estimate: $1.1m-$1.3m

Lot #364: 1911 Mercedes 38/70 hp Seven Passenger Touring. The Mercedes then became part of the Otis Chandler collection in California, before being acquired by the late Mr. John O’Quinn at the Chandler auction in 2006. Without question one of the most outstanding aspects of this Mercedes is the simple fact that it remains one of the most powerful, mechanically impressive of all chain drive Brass Era Touring cars. The T-Head engine delivers over 70 horsepower, making it one of the largest motors of its time, not to mention rare, and in 1911 few cars could compare with the combination of power, speed and sophistication that this Mercedes would have offered. Col. Colt’s Mercedes remains outstanding in all aspects. The paint, wood and brass are all in excellent condition, and the buttoned black leather upholstery is nearly perfect. The wheels and whitewall tires are superb. The recipient of AACA Senior National First honors, the AACA Cup for an outstanding restoration of a pre-1921 vehicle, the Mayor’s Trophy at the Louis Vuitton Concours in New York City and the coveted Ansel Adams Trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this mighty Mercedes remains the perfect contestant for the world’s most prestigious shows. Estimate: $500k-$600k

1928 S Boat tail Speedster, ex Zeppo Marx. Coachwork by Murphy and largely unrestored. A magnificent piece of Hollywood lore and one of a handful of Murphy (Los Angeles) bodied Mercedes of the era.

1955 300SL Gullwing, Silver/Red, Rudge wheels. Estimate $650k-$750k

1961 300SL Roadster, No Reserve. Estimate $600k-$700k.

1943 770 W Pullman. This is a rare sight at auction. Likely one of the last 770s constructed, this handsome and imperial sedan is estimated to sell between $1.5m and $2.0m.

1930 Mercedes-Benz 38/250 SS 7.1 liter Sports Tourer Chassis no. 36257 Engine no. 77636. Estimate on request

Lot #7006 1971 3.5 Cabriolet. Featured here is a stunning example of a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5. Recently professionally restored in the correct factory ‘mittelblau’ metallic over Saddle Roser leather with acres of burl-walnut trim and a contrasting Haartz cloth convertible top, the results are nothing short of stunning, understated opulence combined with the power, handling and ride comfort this generation of Mercedes-Benz automobiles are known for. As all 802 examples that reached the United States were equipped, this car features factory-installed Behr air-conditioning, a Becker Europa stereo radio, dash-mounted clock, power-windows, vacuum-operated power locks and much more.

Lot #7061. This immaculate 1961 190SL sports a completely restored engine and all underhood components by a master Mercedes mechanic. The vendor has detailed paperwork and invoices for all work performed on the vehicle. All exterior chrome was redone. The car's body is in excellent condition and was also restored. A brand-new genuine leather top kit conveys with the car as does an unrestored accessory hard top. Inside, the interior, dash and carpet are complete. Over $20,000 of documented work has been put in to this beautiful vehicle's restoration with needed parts purchased from Mercedes-Benz.

1965 220SE Cabriolet. Owned by Cinema Cars. Imagine cruising the strip with the top down in this car. You will be sure to get front row parking at any of the casinos. Set up the movie poster next to it and let everyone take photos. If you haven't seen the movie "THE HANGOVER" it is one of the best comedies of this past year. This car comes with an authentic signed movie poster off all the main actors. Every time you take this car somewhere people take notice. It is a lot of fun even without the lion in the back! Note: the body damage shown has been repaired!

Reliving the glory days of over-the-road racing in the '50s: A dark red Gullwing squats under acceleration on the cobblestones during the 2010 edition of Italy's Mille Miglia Storica.

The winner of the last Mille Miglia: Silver haired Piero Taruffi's 1957 Ferrari 315S. A fabulous sports racing car of the day, the 315S was fitted with a 330hp 4-cam 3.8 liter V-12 utilizing two plugs per cylinder. This was a treacherous era with 175mph cars, drum brakes, no seat belts, short sleeve shirts and open faced helmets - a romantic as well as an often tragic era.

Setting off on a glorious and storied route, one of the many Gullwings entered launches into the darkness to begin the first stage of the 2010 event.

These pilots braved the elements aboard this torquey and very open supercharged 7 liter SSK.

Two ponton sedans await the start in the staging area. With heavy rain falling during much of 2010's Mille, touring in a 220 sedan wasn't a bad idea. Note Webasto full length sunroof in the car on the left.

A thinly disguised race car in its day, this supercharged SSK recalls the exploits of one Rudolf Caracciola during his and Mercedes-Benz' win in 1931. Large center spot light augmented generally weak lighting of the era.

The Mille Miglia is a playground for wealthy enthusiasts and legends alike. Here, triple F1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart guides his midnight blue/crème Gullwing toward starting ramp. Stewart won F1 titles in 1969/1971/1973.

Formula 1 veteran David Coulthard enjoying the spotlight in front of a 1952 W194 racing Gullwing.

Million dollar exotica was not a prerequisite for the Mille. This 280SE coupe was another comfortable mount for the Storica. Being on the heavy side for its 175hp six cylinder, momentum is the key for a quick pace and the throttle needs to be on the floor as much as possible.

A bellowing Stirling Moss Edition SLR Speedster and rain would not seem to be an enjoyable combination. There is NO provision for a top on this wild final SLR iteration.

Gullwings past and present on the road. The early car looks to be DB190 non-metallic medium gray. Cool weather is ideal for the generally hot early GW interior. Would you recognize the SLS as a Mercedes without that grille star? Many would not.

Yes, it rained - extensively according to our reports. The rainy days were no problem for the many Gullwings entered.

Which way to Roma? This SLS pilot ponders the next leg of the historic Mille Miglia route.

This looks like an SLR 722 Roadster, an ideal if over powered Mille ride.

The Stewarts acknowledge the crowd after completing the tour and returning to Brescia. Whitewall tires are very rare on Gullwings and note the rudge knock-off wheels.

A dirty SLS returns to the ramp after 1000 miles of rapid motoring and socializing.

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Let the Elegance begin! Fashion and gorgeous automobiles are always a fascinating combination. The rudge-wheel Gulling is finished in ultra-rare Silver Violet and the model features open toe 4" pumps, breezy lightweight pants and color coordinated shades.

A circle of Petty blue. This diverse selection of the King's thundering stock cars graced the lawn at Amelia.

One of the most audacious factory stock cars, Plymouth's "Superbird" (and Dodge's "Daytona") steamrolled the competition in the early '70s. Chrysler grafted a long nose and installed high wing to the brick-like Road Runner to create a slippery 200+ mph winner. Flush back window aided air flow to rear wing.

An icon and AMG's interpretation for 2011: New SLS fronts Fire Engine Red Gullwing. The early car looks positively quaint in the shadow of the burly new 571hp SLS.

1936 540K Cabriolet A: 5.4 liter supercharged, 180hp with supercharger engaged, non-disappearing convertible top, 2 passengers. This is a beautifully balanced design.

1939 540 Cabriolet A. This car shares the same coachwork style as the 1936 540K above. The Cab A's "top down" appearance is not quite as harmonious as with top erected. Note that the wheel hubs/rims are body color rather than chrome plated as the 540K above. Standard 540ks usually carry single width horizontal rubber bumper impact strips on each bumper. 500ks have two slimmer impact strips per bumper.

This is a 540K with touring coachwork. While not particularly sleek, this upright design recalls "Phaeton" designs featured on so many American classics of the '30s.

This 1938 540K features rare second design "Offener Tourenwagan" open coachwork. We see a more integrated aerodynamic design aesthetic emerging that provided a glimpse of the industry standard in the latter '40s. The soft top retracted entirely beneath the flush rear panel and provided a particularly sleek look. The rear side windows could be removed entirely. Front side windows were of plexiglass. Note the difference in coachwork and spare tire placement compared to the Special Cabriolet A behind it.

This 1936 540K(?) Special Cabriolet A combines design elements of the Special roadster below and the standard Cabriolet A. Compared to the standard Cabriolet A his car features a lower beltline that sweeps more dramatically toward the rear fender line. While noted as a 540K, It carries double bumper impact rubber strips, normally a feature on the 500Ks.

The 540K Spezial (Special) Roadster is regarded as the pinnacle of the series and features the most dramatic beltline sweep of the supercharged cars. 25 were constructed and each had subtle detail differences. This example's shape is certainly enhanced by the concealed spare wheel sitting under the circular rear deck cover. How is the Spezial Roadster viewed among the classic automobile connoisseurs?

At Amelia Island 2010, the 540k Spezial Roadster was simply the best - Sam and Emily Mann's 540K Spezial Roadster was the d'Elegance best of show.

This 1936 290 Cabriolet A (2 passenger, convertible) presents itself as an 8/10 scale 540 Cabriolet A. Its elegant if foreshortened lines hide a 2.9 liter six cylinder producing only 70hp coupled with a 3 speed gearbox.

1952 W194 Competition coupe is a fairly rare sight at any show. This car was the basis for the eventual street version released in 1954.

This early morning shot of a standard steel Gullwing reveals plaid interior, luggage and lack of bumper over riders.

Aside from the chrome rudge wheels, this Gullwing shows us what a Gullwing would look like on the grid for a road race in the mid '50s. While Rudge wheels were commonly fitted to racing Gullwings, they were rarely chromed. Rudge wheels enabled quicker tire changes and reduced unsprung weight.

The ultimate Gullwing? #18 of the 29 all aluminum Gullwings, sn5500464. Alloy coachwork saved approximately 175 lbs and may add $700k in value today.

We wish we were there at dawn to watch all the spectacular cars roll onto the lawn, Mercedes-Benz or otherwise.

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Massive Mercedes Classic display featured a mouthwatering display of the Silver Star's glorious past. SSKs from the '20s part of the display.

Silver Arrows for the street: l-r CLK DTM road car, SLR Vision design exercise and 1998 V-12 CLK GTR road car. The SLR Vision set the general design theme for the SLR and was based on a R129 SL chassis. The road going CLK DTM was produced in limited numbers in Europe although a few were imported to the US via the gray market channels, most notably by Canepa Design in Scotts Valley, CA. The zany CLK GTR coupe was also an extremely low production supercar for European sales only. A wonderful lineup.

The SLR Vision styling exercise from 1999 exhibits a very flowing and pure shape. Futuristic interior design thankfully was not carried forward to the final SLR McLaren design. A roadster version was constructed as well.

Another look at the wild CLK GTR, a LeMans contender in street guise. FIA homologation requirements required 25 street versions be constructed before the car was approved for racing. At $1,547,620 apiece, the street versions became the most expensive production automobile ever constructed at the time.

Rarely shown 1991 C112 features a number of then revolutionary technologies - Active Body Control (ABC), tire pressure monitors and active rear steering. A 408hp six liter V-12 powered this attractive if sober design.

Three quarters of Mercedes-Benz' lineage of Gullwings. Final link is the 2011 SLS AMG Gullwing. Orange C111 in the middle featured potent Wankel 4-rotor power.

SSK series is now considered the first production 'Supercar.' This 1929 roadster is fitted with a seven liter supercharged six cylinder. Output was about 240hp. Approximately 40 were produced. I recognize the red 300SL roadster in the background.

Yes, this is a familiar face. MercedesHeritage sold this car four years ago to a European client and I'm pleased the new owner resisted the temptation to restore the car and destroy its lovely character. A single family owned California quasi-barn find, this roadster had patina and presence in spades. I spent some nice afternoons touring central California's backroads. We sold it for $229k(!) in 2006, a pittance today.

1952 300SL returned Mercedes-Benz to post war road racing prominence with a LeMans win. Many styling cues found on the production 1954 Gullwing are in place. The early W194 (production Gullwings are designated W198) racing Gullwings lacked fuel injection and were still fitted with carburetors. Note massive air brake panel situated on the roof. LeMans scrutineers were not amused with this clever braking aid.

Gorgeous 500K Cabriolet B (convertible-4 passenger-with rear quarter window) features a five liter straight eight producing 160hp with supercharger engaged. Zero to sixty mph times were around 16 seconds. Stunning car. Note the restoration in progress behind it. This is the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center's elegant display.

The supercharged eight cylinder 380 series was introduced in 1933 and led to the glorious 500/540Ks of the mid to late '30s. This 1934 380K carries the desirable 'Spezialroadster' coachwork. Output was about 144hp with supercharger engaged. A stunning car.

This 1935 500K Cabriolet C (convertible-4 passenger-no rear quarter window) illustrated bulky top storage when lowered. Far sleeker with tops retracted, the Cabriolet A and special roadsters command more money.

Here is a 1936 500K in Cabriolet A (convertible-two passenger-luggage storage behind seats-no rear quarter windows) configuration, very sleek and dramatic. This car presents a very handsome presence sans whitewalls and finished in a dark blue. Note massive spot lights mounted on 'A' posts. Superb. Eclectic nature of Essen demonstrated by Borgward Isabella and Porsche 911 Targa in the background. I even see a Volvo 140 series tail just above the 500Ks rear fender. Eclectic indeed.

I see another familiar face in this clever display. MercedesHeritage also sold this wonderful fire damaged 300SL Roadster 'barn-find' in the foreground a few years ago. After carefully cleaning the car, the current owner has left the car entirely as dragged from the previous owner's burning home! It provides a pointed contrast to the spotless 190SLs sharing the display. Wonderful.

Early 'Ostermeier" Gullwing certainly looks the part. 177 hp mid '70s 2.8 liter six lies under the hood. This is the 34th of about 250 Ostermeiers constructed.

Wide wheels/tires and slightly bulbous tail the only tips to a replica. Mercedes-Benz was not pleased with Ostermeier's project.

This 1991 Ostermeier just sold off MercedesHeritage.com for about $160k. Later cars such as this had E-class engines.

MercedesHeritage's 1995 Ostermeier #1083 sold for $140k in December 2009 and represented a massive loss from April 2008 purchase price. Automatic transmission may have held price down.

The real deal. MercedesHeritage sold this correct rudge wheel 1955 Gullwing in Dec 2009 for $525k. Ostermeiers are not a bad deal at 26% of an original car.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SLR 'Uhlenhaut' coupe an example of Mercedes-Benz' road/racing synergy. Fearsome and noisy coupe featured 3.0 liter straight 8 and 302 hp.

C111 project focused on Wankel engine development. This is the 1976 variant fitted with a 3 rotor engine developing up to 280 hp. Wankel development eventually ceased. CLK GTR roadster and new SLS AMG Gullwing follow.

A thinly disguised LeMans car, lowline CLK GTR Roadster is piloted here by '70s/'80s touring car ace Dieter Glemser.

109 years of high performance road and racing prowess on display here. 1929 SSK leads the glorious group.

Wings up tradition in the museum: original Gullwing gazes at obscure C112 and SLR Vision design exercise.

This floor-pan photo illustrates how thin the aluminum is. Considering it is over 50 years old and has been subjected to the stress of regular road use, seat belts mounted to the pan alone could easily fail in a moderate accident.

Here is a typical anchor cable that can be used to secure the seat belt mounting hardware to the tubular frame of your 300SL Gullwing or Roadster.