This fantastic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé was owned by Stuart and his wife Marianne Mac Dunna throughout its life, and was bought new by them in 1956 and later driven in numerous races. The car left the factory in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim on 23 May 1956 and was then shipped first by rail, and then by sea freight to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in New York. The very rare special equipment at that time included special upholstery in red leather 1079, instruments with English inscription SA 976-198, sealed beam headlights with separate parking light SA 55106, engine with special parts for sporty driving SA 10018, shock absorbers and springs for sporty driving SA 10009/1, disc wheels with Rudge hubs SA 985-198, bumper horns SA 55031/2, protractor and balancing weights supplied loose SA 10108, 1kg of paint, plus a windscreen washer, all packed in a lightweight sea chest. According to the original bill of sale on file, as well as many old accounts by Stuart Mac Dunna, the car was purchased in 1956 from the Foreign Car Center in Norristown, Pennsylvania for the then price of $8,461.50, less $3,950 for the trade-in of his Jaguar XK 140. In the summer of 1957, he took the SL to Europe for the first time, travelling from England to France, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland and, of course, Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, West Germany. In early 1958 he also began his carrer in the S.C.C.A. (Sport Car Club of America) and obtained the Competition racing licence. There he also met the young and very ambitious racing driver Rodger Penske. Stuart Mac Dunna drove many races in 1958, 1959 and 1960. In July 1960, he returned to Europe with his coupé. Back in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, the car received an extensive technical overhaul worth DM 5,792 during a stay of several weeks. Among other things, the front and rear axles were overhauled and a shorter 1:4.11 rear axle ratio was fitted, which guaranteed better acceleration for the upcoming Bahamas Speed Week. During the preparations for the Bahamas Speed Week in Nassau, he met Otto Vogler from the Mercedes-Benz Service Center New York for the first time. Together they went over all the important points and tips for the demanding race week. Otto Vogler was also the one who renewed the engine block (250 USD) including pistons in 1970. The original invoice for this work is also available. During the race week in Nassau, Mac Dunna met Graham Hill at a cocktail party. Graham Hill, later two-time Formula 1 world champion (1962 and 1968), did a few laps in Mac Dunna's 300 SL Coupé before he decided to drive another 300 SL in aluminium for the race. Winner of the GT class and already incredibly talented at that time was racing legend Stirling Moss in a Ferrari 250 SWB. Mac Dunna, seen in the book "THE BAHAMAS SPEED WEEK" with starting number 101, finished the race in 16th position. Exhausted from the extreme heat in the Bahamas and with great memories he drove the 1,300 miles back on the road. To date, he has never had to call the towing service - what an accolade for the sports car of the century. Chassis number 6500097 was carefully restored many years ago and took part in countless coupé Group rides and concours events. Even today, the car is incredibly sporty and powerful to drive. The original leather interior has been preserved in many areas. In addition to the Mercedes-Benz data card, we have numerous trophies, old pictures, correspondence, reports and also the original tool and disc bag. An absolutely exceptional vehicle, which can no longer be found.
