One to Buy: ex-Count Philipp Constantin von Berckheim 1955 Mercedes W198 300 SL Gullwing (SOLD)
The fleeting appearances of Mercedes-Benz in top flight motor sport during the 1950s yielded an astonishing array of silverware for such brief campaigns.
In 1952, the W194 300 SL delivered wins at Le Mans, the Carrera Panamericana, Bremgarten and the Nurburgring. The only time in five outings the Sport Leicht did not emerge victorious was on its maiden outing at the Mille Miglia where it finished second.
After a year off in 1953, Mercedes returned mid-way through the ‘54 season with the W196 Formula 1 car which won nine Grand Prix from just twelve outings and gave Juan Manuel Fangio two of his four world titles.
It was a similar story with the W196-based 300 SLR sports racing car for 1955 (the W196S). The 300 SLR won five times from six outings; the one time it did not bring home the honours was at Le Mans when Mercedes withdrew whilst leading following that year’s infamous disaster that claimed the lives of 84 people.
Against this backdrop of absolute domination, Mercedes produced arguably the most iconic super sports car of its era: the W198 300 SL Gullwing.
With its exotic specification and trademark doors, the Gullwing was the car of choice for an array of royals, sportsmen and industrialists. One such individual was Count Philipp Constantin von Berckheim.
Born into nobility, von Berckheim was an enthusiastic gentleman driver who, in 1952, won his class at the Mille Miglia partnering Count Johnny Lurani in a factory-supported Porsche 356 SL.
Von Berckheim was one of the first customers to take delivery of a 300 SL. That car, today offered with DD Classics in Richmond, Surrey, was handsomely configured in Black with Cream leather, both of which were optional upgrades. A 4.11:1 rear axle ratio and fitted luggage were also specified.
In recent times, this superb Gullwing has been restored to concours condition by marque experts, HK Engineering.
Reprinted below is DD Classics’ description:
Built to the order of Count Philipp Constantin von Berckheim, winner of the 1952 Mille Miglia
Fitted from new with 4.11 rear axle – the lowest ratio option
Beneficiary of a full body off restoration by marque specialists HK Engineering (photographic book on file)
Winner of Great Marques – Mercedes, London Concours 2022
Extensively featured in the definitive Palawan Press book ‘Gullwing’ by Anthony Pritchard
Complete with original belly pans and fitted luggage
One of the finest Gullwings available anywhere
This stunning example was built to order for Count Philipp Constantin von Berckheim who was of significant importance for both Daimler Benz and Porsche. A Gentleman racer of note, he won the 1952 Mille Miglia Gran Turismo 1.5 Class in a Porsche 356 Gmünd Coupe 1500 with co-driver Giovanni Lurani. Tragedy struck the Count whilst campaigning in the Carrera Pan Americana when a crash left the Count wheelchair bound, closing the chapter on his impressive racing career.
Disability didn’t prevent the Count from wanting the very best the automotive industry had to offer. He commissioned Daimler Benz to build something extra special and the craftsmen of the Sindelfingen works did not fail to disappoint. The car was totally unique, a Mercedes 600 Grosser State Landaulet, all other Landaulets produced were Pullmans but he had this car tailor made to make room for his wheelchair.
Following 4 owners in the USA and repatriated back home to West Germany in 2004 the Gullwing was dispatched to marque specialists HK Engineering who carried out a body-off, Concours restoration. We have on file a comprehensive photographic record of the restoration works. During the restoration, a huge amount of attention to detail was paid to the drive ability and the end result would have gotten Count Von Berckheim’s seal of approval with improvements such as the fitting of a 5-speed gearbox and improved brake boosters. The extra gear combined with the special order 4.11 rear axle really transforms the drive and makes the car today a very capable outside lane cruiser.
Presented beautifully today in its original colour of DB40 Schwarz (Black) with Crema hide interior, matching woven carpets, ivory steering wheel, chrome wheels, the car truly exemplifies the outstanding beauty of the 300SL Gullwing.
The car was acquired by a long term UK collector in 2006 through Ivan Page-Ratcliffe, the well-known 300SL Gullwing and Roadster aficionado. Over the course of the next 16 years, the Gullwing covered 9000 miles since its restoration works and was always maintained regardless of expense by the best marque experts, most recently Martin Cushway who serviced the car in August 2021 and May 2022 – on file we have a set of compression readings which where carried out and well within good tolerances.
Most recently the Gullwing has been presented on the lawn at the London Concours at The Honourable Artillery Company, Armoury House London EC1 in June 2022 where it was the Winner of Mercedes Great Marques – a true reflection of the quality of this exceptional car.
