A historic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" is set to go up for auction later this year.
During a July 12 auction organized in partnership with Mercedes, Bonhams will sell the "Gullwing" driven by Stirling Moss ahead of his victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.
The model has a unique history: After being presented at the 1954 Paris Motor Show, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" was used by Stirling Moss and his co-pilot, journalist Denis Jenkinson, for course reconnaissance ahead of the 1955 Mille Miglia race in Italy.
Moss and Jenkinson went on to win the Mille Miglia aboard a Mercedes 300 SLR on May 1, 1955.
From 1954 to 1957, the coupe was marketed as the world's fastest production model. The "Gullwing" also stood out as one of the most spectacular cars of its day, with its dramatic doors that open upward.
The car has been restored to the condition it was in when Moss drove it in 1955. More recently, the model took part in the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2011. The starting bid has not been announced, but the model is expected to sell for well over $1 million.
40 cars on auction
During the same auction -- which will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany -- Bonhams will also sell 40 other iconic vehicles from the German manufacturer's history. Among the models announced is a 35-horseppower Mercedes dating from 1909 and estimated to sell for between $658,000 and $931,000.
Bonhams carried off its highest car sale yet during a July 2013 auction that took place outside of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Mercedes W196 driven to victory by Juan-Manuel Fangio in the 1954 F1 World Cup sold for about $33 million.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart houses more than 1,500 artifacts, including 160 cars, in an exhibition space of 16,500 square meters.
