Check out this stunning 1995 Mercedes Gullwing for sale

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing has a 3-litre SOHC Inline 6-cylinder engine. Photos: Bonhams

With Lotto up to $18 million this Wednesday, there’s one car that I’d suggest for any winner to buy at an upcoming Bonhams auction, a stunning 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing.

Up for sale on October 1, at Newport, Rhode Island’s International Tennis Hall of Fame is this stunning Gullwing that arrived in the USA the original exterior of Fire Engine Red.

This early production Gullwing was equipped with factory Rudge wheels, a feature that has been one of the most sought-after options available on Gullwings since their inception. As a result of its original European delivery, the car features the more sporting bumpers without the heavy over-riders featured on most US specification cars. 

The Gullwing that arrived in the USA the original exterior of Fire Engine Red.

It has a 3-litre SOHC Inline 6-cylinder engine, with Bosch mechanical fuel injection and a four-speed manual transmission.

In 2009 the Gullwing was sold to Richard Stephens and became a part of the collection of the prominent Academy of Art University, a private for-profit art school in San Francisco, California.

During the decade-long ownership, the car has been routinely serviced and maintained by the skillful Academy of Art University staff, says Bonhams.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing has a four-speed manual transmission.

And the estimate? You’ll be spending NZ$1.9m-$2.3m of your Lotto winnings.  

Bonhams says “the immortal 300SL (for Sports Leicht) Gullwing coupe arguably competes for the title of ‘Greatest Sports Car of the 1950s’, and surely qualifies for anyone's Top 10 list of the greatest automobiles of all time”. 

“A period favorite of wealthy celebrities, it ranks today among the most valued and collectible sports cars ever produced,” the auction house says. We totally agree, as it’s been featured as a Modern Classic on AutoMuse.