Gooding Consigns Alloy Gullwing For January Scottsdale Sale

Gooding & Company  announced  two of its latest consignments for the Scottsdale Auctions today: a rare, matching-numbers 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing and a late-production, Ferrari Classiche-certified 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider factory-equipped with disc brakes. 

“The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing and Ferrari LWB California Spider we’re offering are extraordinary automobiles, fantastic examples of two of the most iconic collectible cars of their era, which have become must-have inclusions in many top collections,” says David Gooding, President and founder of Gooding & Company.  “It’s been nearly five years since an Alloy Gullwing has surfaced for public sale and this desirable, late-production California Spider equally represents an exciting opportunity for those in the market.”

These fine cars join the Moretti Collection of six Packard Twelves, 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV and 1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spider to round out another exceptional presentation of rare and extraordinary cars at Gooding & Company’s Scottsdale Auctions on January 20 & 21.

 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider (Chassis No. 1505 GT; Engine No. 1505 GT)

As the 36^th of 50 LWB California Spiders built, this rare Ferrari was fortunate to receive the factory’s most desirable advancements, including 4-wheel disc brakes, a competition-inspired cold air box with velocity stacks and what many believe to be the most attractive Scaglietti coachwork.  With Ferrari Classiche certification, this matching-numbers California Spider is even further set apart from the pack for having excellent provenance with more than four decades of elite ownership among great Ferrari connoisseurs. In a sea of red Ferraris, this white over navy example turns heads for more reasons than one.  Estimate: $3.4 – $3.8 million.

 The Age of the Gullwing

The dynamic, New York car dealer, Max Hoffman, can be credited for inspiring the creation of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing. Thanks to Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz responded to the market’s demand for a high-end sports car inspired by the marque’s great 1950s racing success and the limited, 1400-car run of the 300 SL Gullwing was produced. Mercedes-Benz built only 29 light-weight, alloy-bodied versions for owners who had racing in mind.  In addition to their lighter weight, the alloy Gullwings were equipped with a high-performance NSL motor, Rudge wheels and stiff suspension. 

Unlike most, this matching-numbers, silver over plaid 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing with rudge wheels was never raced. The Kirkland Concours d’Elegance class-winner is in excellent, show-quality condition following a restoration by the preeminent 300 SL specialist Rudi Koniczek.  Gooding & Company Specialists believe it “will be an exciting day” when this car is presented in Scottsdale next month, because it will be the first time in nearly five years that an Alloy Gullwing has surfaced for public auction.  Estimate: $2.5 – $3.5 million.

 Gooding & Company will be conducting its annual Scottsdale Auctions on January 20 and 21, beginning at 11 a.m. both days, at the Scottsdale Fashion Square at 68th Street and East Camelback Road. Guests may preview the cars on Thursday and Friday, January 19 and 20, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, January 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  An auction catalogue for $80 admits two to the viewing and auction. General admission to the viewing and auction can be purchased at the tent for $30 per person.  Bidder registration forms, press credentials and additional auction information are available at www.goodingco.com or by calling (310) 899-1960.  Auctions are broadcast live at www.goodingco.com.