Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Le Mans Has Interesting Story Linked

Original engines typically make a car more desirable. But this unique Gullwing might be an exception.
 

We all know and love the 300SL Gullwing. The details and specs are the stuff of legend. And while you may think all of them are the pretty much same, many of them are wildly different. Chassis 4500089 is an early example SL, and according to Bring-A-Trailer, was made in the first half year of production.
 
What makes this car particularly interesting is what is under the hood. It is noted to be an NSL spec M198. Mechanical fuel injection via Bosch propelled the 300SL forward with 240 horsepower. Not only that, but this engine was previously used in the 1952 Le Mans winning Mercedes 300 SL. It was a replacement motor for that winning car. The motor was taken out when the original triple-carb engine was placed back in the race car.
 
Based on the provenance of this engine, it might actually be the only instance of a Gullwing that is more valuable because of the changes. NSL spec was a higher specification of camshaft for the engine. And if equipped, sport suspension. Because it wasn’t sporty enough, right? Either way, Nockenwelle Sport Light Engines are the desirable spec.
 

Making this car potentially more rare is something our keen eyed viewers may notice. This SL has the Rudge knock-off wheels. If this car’s original specification has the NSL motor option ticked, and the Rudge wheels, it is a true rarity. only 210 Gullwings were made with that particular combination. However, as we know with this car’s heart transplant, some 300SL cars are upgraded after the fact.
 
Since we don’t know the original engine configuration or if the knock-off wheels are from the original build sheet, it’s a bit tough to nail down this SL as being factory authentic. However the use engine M194/21 NSL does make this Gullwing a unique and storied car in its own right. And since the engine was built my Mercedes for one of its own Le Mans cars, we’d say it certainly doesn’t lessen the value of the car.