Make Mercedes-Benz

Model 300SL “Gullwing”

Year 1956

Title Status US

Body Coupe

Transmission 4-Speed Manual

Location USA

Price $3,250,000 USD

This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe was released from Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen factory on July 23, 1956. It was ordered by and delivered to its sole owner until 2019, Dr. William “Bill” Risser, whose name appears on its factory build sheet.

Chassis 65-00167 boasts unparalleled provenance and the highest factory specification for a steel-bodied Gullwing. The Dr. Risser Gullwing features an ‘NSL’ sport camshaft engine with special components for “sporty driving,” Rudge axles and wheels, sport springs and shock absorbers, Becker Mexico radio, leather interior, and fitted luggage. In short, this Gullwing was delivered with every option available—save for the exceedingly rare “Alloy” body option.

The subject of a multi-year, no-expense-spared, 100% restoration by the experts at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in California, this fully numbers-matching 300 SL presents today as it did at factory delivery in 1956—in the colors specified by Dr. Risser: white exterior, black interior, and a black-painted dash.

Having already been recognized at several concours events, this 300 SL is ready for its next adventures—in show and in spirited driving use.

Additional Details:

Engine type In-line 6 cylinder (M 198)

Displacement 2,996 cc

Output (SAE) @ 6,100 rpm 240 hp

Torque (SAE) @ 4,800 rpm 294 Nm

Performance (0-62 mph) 10 s

Top speed 155 mph (250 km/h)

Total units produced (Coupe) 1,400

Chassis no: 198.040-65-00167, White (DB50) / Black leather

Fully restored by Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in California.

This 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe was completed at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen factory on July 23, 1956, and delivered new to its first and only owner until 2019, Dr. William “Bill” Risser. Featuring exceptional provenance and an unusually high factory specification for a steel-bodied Gullwing, it was equipped with the coveted NSL (Nockenwellen Sport Leicht) high-performance camshaft engine, Rudge knock-off wheels and axles, and uprated sport suspension.

At the time, Dr. Risser was a junior in medical school at USC and looking to purchase his first sports car. He had originally set his sights on an Austin-Healey, but when the local dealership in Los Angeles was out of stock, he turned his attention to Mercedes-Benz. Through their L.A. dealership, he placed an order for a standard black-over-black 300 SL and arranged for tourist delivery in Germany. Shortly after placing the order, Bill reconsidered and submitted a revision—this time requesting white paint over black leather, along with the high-performance NSL engine, sport suspension, and Rudge wheels.

The dealership acknowledged the change and updated the purchase documentation, including an upcharge for the additional equipment. It’s worth noting that the revised specification included nearly every available option except for the seldom-selected and now exceedingly rare alloy body.

Upon arrival at the Sindelfingen factory, much to Bill’s surprise, the car presented was the original black-over-black standard 300 SL—his change order had not made it to production. The factory confirmed they had not received the updated specification from the dealer.

Converting a standard 300 SL to Rudge specification was not practical, so the factory advised Bill that a few 300 SLs built for racing purposes—optioned as he had requested—were available but not yet delivered. One such car was offered to him, but it had been finished in DB 180 Silver Grey Metallic over blue leather. The factory offered to repaint and reupholster it to match his revised specification, and Bill accepted—requesting one final, unusual detail: that the dashboard be painted black to match the interior, instead of the standard body-color finish. The factory agreed, supplied him with a courtesy vehicle, and several weeks later Bill took delivery of his personalized 300 SL.

During post-delivery travels in Europe, Bill added nearly 1,500 kilometers before shipping the car home to Southern California, where it has remained ever since.

Over the years, Dr. Risser acquired a number of vehicles, and the 300 SL saw decreasing use before eventually being stored for more than 30 years. In late 2012, he commissioned a full “nut-and-bolt,” factory-correct restoration through the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Southern California. During the process, it was noted that no previous restoration work had ever been performed on the drivetrain components.

Dr. Risser passed away in 2016 before the restoration was complete. He had gifted the car to a close friend, and work resumed in his honor. In May 2021, the Gullwing was completed—restored to factory-correct specification, exactly as it had been delivered in 1956. It retains its original NSL engine, drivetrain, suspension, Rudge wheels, Becker Mexico radio with Reims shortwave adaptor, and original belly pans.

Accompanying the car is its original tool roll, master tool roll, and travel kit containing the jack, spare parts, and accessories listed on its factory build sheet. A set of reproduction Karl Baisch–type fitted luggage is also included. Original documents remain with the car, including the owner’s manual, service booklet, domestic and international service station directories, radio/antenna literature, and warranty documents.

A truly unique, essentially single-owner car, its originality and provenance are further supported by discoveries made during disassembly—including evidence of an earlier interior upholstery installation, consistent with the factory’s reconfiguration prior to delivery.

The car’s continuous ownership history, its original build sheet issued in Dr. Risser’s name, and a period photo showing its final delivery specification all corroborate his remarkable story.

Today, the 300 SL remains in outstanding condition—faithfully restored and true to its factory delivery specification and presentation.