Mercedes-Benz W198 300SL Gullwing
Description
Hilton & Moss are proud to present one of our most significant restoration projects to date: a full nut and bolt, concours-standard restoration of a 1956 Mercedes-Benz W198 300SL Gullwing. Completed over three years and more than 4,000 workshop hours, this project represents the highest level of authenticity-driven craftsmanship across every department of our facility.
The vehicle arrived following 25 years of static storage, remarkably complete and retaining its factory metalwork. Originality of this level is exceptionally rare on a Gullwing, and after stripping the car to its bare shell, our restoration strategy centred on preserving as much of the untouched structure as possible.
Metalwork and Fabrication
The metalwork team carried out precise repairs only where absolutely necessary, maintaining original hammer marks, factory welds, panel edges and stamped body numbers. This level of preservation required manual metal dressing rather than replacement, ensuring the character of the hand-built construction remained intact.
The floor tubs were refinished in the correct brown-green primer, colour-matched to Mercedes’ post-war surplus military paint. All alloy components were vapour-blasted to original texture, and steel components were refinished in period-correct zinc, cadmium or black oxide coatings depending on their specification in the 1950s.
Drivetrain & Mechanical Rebuild
The 3.0-litre M198 engine underwent a complete rebuild. This included:
- Crankshaft crack-testing and dynamic balancing
- Re-machining of the cylinder head and valve seats
- Refurbishment of the mechanical fuel injection pump with recalibrated delivery elements
- Replating and clear-marking of all fuel lines
- Complete rebuild of the original dry-sump lubrication system
The gearbox and differential were fully overhauled, with tolerances set to factory specification using new bearings, synchros and seals. All suspension components were stripped, inspected and refinished, with rebuilt lever-arm dampers and factory-rate springs.
Electrical System & Interior
The wiring loom was rebuilt using period-correct sheathing and connectors, while all gauges and switches were restored to original function and finish.
Inside, the car was trimmed in the correct 1079 Red leather, hand-cut and stitched in-house. Seat frames, interior panels and carpeting all follow factory construction methods. A bespoke mathcing luggage set accompanied the retrim, as well as two unique lightweight leather carry bags styled to match the factory items, providing discreet practicality without compromising authenticity.
Paintwork & Exterior Finish
After extensive panel preparation, the car was finished in DB180G Silver-Grey Metallic using Glasurit paint matched precisely to original Mercedes samples. The customer opted for upgraded Rudge knock-off wheels, and final assembly followed Mercedes’ 1950s sequencing to ensure correct panel fit, door alignment and trim placement.
This restoration stands as a benchmark for our team and reinforces Hilton & Moss as one of the UK's leading restoration specialists. With more than 40 years of experience across the world’s most celebrated marques, we remain committed to delivering work that honours authenticity while achieving the highest technical standards.
