PARIS.- On January 27th, during its Automobile Legends auction, to be held at The Peninsula Paris Hotel at 2pm, Artcurial Motorcars will present its latest discovery: a legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” in an absolutely astonishing, 100% original condition, never restored, never disassembled, still in its original paint, and fitted with the complete set of sport options from the period catalog.

Delivered new in Paris with an exceptional specification, this 300 SL Gullwing is one of the rare examples equipped with the same sport specifications as the 29 aluminum-bodied cars. Indeed, it features the full range of sport options from the original period catalog, including the highly sought-after NSL engine, Rudge center-lock wheels, and sport-tuned suspension and springs. This 300 SL is one of only 30 examples delivered new in France and one of 106 produced in Graphite Grey. Showing just 34,000 original kilometers, it retains its original paint, natural leather interior, complete factory-original mechanical components, original accessories, its luggage set, tool kit, original license plate, and even the dust that has protected it from the passage of time.

Its history further enhances its legendary status: delivered new in Paris in 1956 to Claude Foussier, first Coca-Cola importer in Europe, among other achievements, and a multi-medalist Olympic athlete in sport shooting, the car was acquired in 1961 by its second owner, Jean Piger, who kept it for over half a century, until 2014. After emerging from storage following eleven years of inactivity and exposure to the elements, just a few simple measures were enough to get it running again, revealing an excellent mechanical and structural condition.

After a private sojourn in Germany, where it was preserved like a work of art without being cleaned, the Gullwing finally returned to Paris. And this is where history turns into legend: following research with the Paris Prefecture, it was discovered that the current owner of the car lives at the same address as Claude Foussier, its first owner. By pure coincidence, this 300 SL had returned to the very same garage where it spent its daily life from 1956 to 1961! And it was there that we found it, a series of circumstances as rare as they are fascinating.

Authentic in every respect and featuring the rarest and most desirable configuration, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, one of the most famous models in automotive history, is arguably the last 100% original example in the world, and, moreover, the most moving. A unique work of art, an exceptional automotive treasure, destined for the most prestigious international Concours d’Élégance, in the highly sought-after Preservation Class.

This landmark car will be offered at auction by Artcurial Motorcars during its upcoming Automobile Legends auction on Tuesday, January 27th, at 2pm, the first auction of Rétromobile week. It will be on public display during the exhibition in the garage of The Peninsula Paris, alongside 70 other vehicles in this exceptional sale.