A Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing that Andy Warhol used as a model for an art collection will be sold at auction.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. A work of art for many and as such the artist treated it Andy Warhol in his iconic series “Cars”, which the artist made for Mercedes-Benz. Now, a 1955 unit is up for auction through Sotheby’s Sealed, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a physical asset linked to the legendary artist.
This 1955 300 SL Gullwing had been privately owned for 39 years before Brabus GmbH purchased the vehicle. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, Brabus discovered that this Mercedes was the vehicle used in Andy Warhol’s latest series, Cars.
More than 4,500 hours of restoration of this 300 SL Gullwing
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing by Andy Warhol,
Thanks to extensive research by Brabus and Mercedes-Benz Classic, it was confirmed that the 300 SL It was the exact unit used in the series “Cars”. The extensive investigation included a complete history of the vehicle along with an assessment of its authenticity.
Brabus has carried out an exhaustive restoration of the «Warhol 300 SL», free of any cost, during the last two years, with more than 4,500 hours of work dedicated to this high-level restoration.
With the aim of reaching perfection, the car was disassembled and cataloged down to the last screw. Following completion of the extensive restoration, Classic Data, Germany’s leading organization of classic car experts, appraised this 300 SL Gullwing and awarded this impressive Mercedes an ‘A with New Car Character’ rating.
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Equipped with a stunning combination of silver-grey paint, blue leather interior and coveted Rudge wheels, this 300 SL is now up for auction with a price that will start from 1.5 million eurosa rate that will surely be outbid, since it is estimated that it can reach 3 million euros.
It is currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.. Warhol originally planned to create 80 pieces showcasing 20 different models from the automaker’s centuries-old history, but he died suddenly in ’87 before the collection was complete. Therefore, the artist’s final series was limited to 36 etchings on canvas and 13 drawings.