Completed in September 1954, this early production 300 SL Gullwing has a history unlike any other. The car left the factory in Stuttgart and was driven straight to London for display at Earls Court for the 39th International Motor show where it served as a demonstrator — being filmed by British Pathé. Privateer Formula 1 and sportscar team boss Rob Walker purchased the car directly off the stand, but would never take delivery — the car was taken to Hatfield by Mercedes engineers for a shakedown drive, where it spun and rear-ended a tree. Returned to the factory for repairs, the 300 SL would be bought by Carr & Co’s Noel Carr, before moving on seven months later to Mr. Charles Gardner, in whose family it would remain until the present day. Wearing its original silver and blue plaid interior, the car goes to auction in London.