One to Buy: ex-Glen Smith Harman, single ownership from 1955 to 1999 Mercedes-Benz W198 300 SL Gullwing
Introduced at the New York Motor Show in February 1954, Mercedes’ Gullwing-doored W198 300 SL re-wrote the rulebook in terms of what could be expected from a series production super sports car.
Derived from the W194 300 SL that had won the Le Mans 24 Hours and Carrera Panamericana back in 1952, the W198 became a critical and commercial hit to the extent that 1400 had been completed by the time production was discontinued to make way for a Roadster variant in 1957.
Of these, the majority were exported to the USA after Mercedes’ distributor for that region, Max Hoffman, had played a key role in the car’s creation - Hoffman had ordered 500 units of a productionised W194 which was sufficient commitment for the German firm to begin W198 development.
Currently on offer at the Canepa showroom in Scotts Vallely, California, is a remarkable example of a US-delivered Gullwing from 1955: chassis ‘5500666’.
Ordered by Dr. Glen Smith Harman of Monte Sereno in California who configured the car in White with Red leather upholstery and a set of fitted luggage, chassis ‘5500666’ was retained by its first owner until 1999. During his time with the car, Dr. Smith Harman fastidiously recorded notes and kept every shred of documentation, no matter how small or large.
Since 1999, this incredible Mercedes has been sympathetically restored to preserve its originality and today this three owner, matching numbers, remarkably well documented machine is being offered in superb condition throughout.
Reprinted below is Canepa’s description:
VIN: 1980405500666
The “Most Iconic” Mercedes-Benz ever to be produced
Only 2 owners over the course of 68 years
Extensive documented history since new
San Francisco Bay Area California car since new
1 of 867 made in 1955. 1 of 1,400 Gullwings made during entire 4-year production
Matching numbers engine - 3.0L inline-6 engine with 215HP
Original color combo according to factory build record
Books, tool roll, jack, and spare wheel/tire
Extensive owner documentation and detailed notes back to 1955
Fitted original Karl Baisch luggage set, wooden Nardi-style steering wheel
Very few cars exude the same level of class, desirability, and recognizability of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a constant contender in timeless design. With its long swooping hood, perfect curves, iconic upward-opening doors, and a body design that is considered to be this day the epitome of style, the 300SL Gullwing has aged remarkably well.
A lasting favorite among automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike, the 300SL Gullwing is considered one of the most legendary automobiles to have been created. With only 1,400 examples built in the 4-year time period that it was offered, only a few lucky individuals with the wherewithal were able to enjoy what Mercedes-Benz created.
This 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was originally purchased by Dr. Glen Smith Harman of Monte Sereno, CA in December of 1955 along with a Mercedes-Benz 300S on the same day.
A physician servicing the San Francisco Bay Area, this particular doctor had a unique relationship with the Canepa family: he was Bruce’s father’s close personal friend.
Angelo Canepa and Dr. Harman were extremely close friends. So much so that when Dr. Harman’s extremely rare 40ft all-mahogany Stephens Brothers sail boat was docked next to Angelo’s own boat, the pair would work on their boats, go sailing, and do boating activities together every weekend. They even traveled together frequently with their wives on vacation. Bruce Canepa recalls seeing the 300SL for the first time parked in Dr. Harman’s designated spot in the harbor parking lot at the age of 12, and has personally known this car since the early 1960s.
Dr. Harman enjoyed his 300SL regularly and as much as he could, indicated by the service book stubs which show 44,000 miles by the end of the 1950s. By the end of 1967, that number had grown to over 130,000 miles, possibly being one of the most-driven 300SL Gullwings at that time.
As is the nature of many doctors who take fastidious notes, Dr. Harman was no different. Records of services performed along with hundreds of receipts for factory parts purchased, no matter how small or large, from his local Mercedes-Benz dealership over the course of his decades-long ownership. His notes were compiled chronologically, with procedures and technical tips handwritten that rival the factory’s own manuals.
Dr. Harman ensured that the 300SL was treated to exceptional care throughout his ownership, mirroring his commitment to his patients. An engine rebuild was performed in 1973 by regional 300SL expert Rudi Geipel. In 1986 the Gullwing was treated to a respray of its original White (DB 50) color, and records show that the exterior chrome was replated during this time period.
Throughout his ownership, his own records indicate that he was a complete Mercedes-Benz owner who valued proper maintenance and keeping his car in exceptional condition, both mechanical and cosmetic, and enjoyed it fully until his passing in 1999.
4 years after Dr. Harman's passing, his wife Lillian decided that it was time for the 300SL to be enjoyed by another member of the community. Wanting to ensure that it was treated with the same respect, care, and enjoyed properly, she hand picked its next owner. A nearby Gull Wing Group member and accomplished mechanic, Robert West, was chosen and became the car’s next caretaker for the next 2 decades.
Within his family he had a standing order to not wear shoes inside of the car, and that each family member knew to not close the doors, hood, or trunk lid from more than 6” high. West’s door seal alignment allowed for gentle soft closure of the panels, a “if you know you know” quality test of the proper alignment of the doors and seals.
Upon arriving at Canepa this 300SL was given a complete and extremely thorough inspection, going through every mechanical system and cosmetic surface.
After a lengthy visual, mechanical inspection, and extended test drives, Canepa initiated the “Canepa Difference” process on the Gullwing. All mechanical items were addressed, whether a component or system needed repairing or restoring, back to factory or better-than-new condition, to ensure perfect drivability for the next 100,000 miles of driving.
The aerodynamic belly pans were removed and the 300SL was treated to a complete concours-level detailing of the underside. Once completed, the topside of the car including the engine bay, interior, and trunk areas were cleaned in extreme detail.
Lastly, the DB 50 White paint was polished to a fantastic sheen using only foam pads and polish. After all work was completed, the “Canepa Difference” process invested over $100,000 over more than 8 months to bring it to Gullwing perfection.
Legendary cars can be something more than just a mechanical mix of components that get you from point A to B, and this 300SL was as much a family member as it was a car. While many owners drove their Mercedes-Benz Gullwing short distances to not add miles, Dr. Harman did quite the opposite and enjoyed the car for literally over 130,000 miles in his personal 44 year ownership, to be passed onto another like-minded owner who kept the car in excellent condition.
And after 68 years with just three owners, and Canepa’s recent sympathetic restoration and servicing, this 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing is ready for another half a century of enjoyment.
