Just in time for Christmas, a classic silver grey 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing is now up for auction – with no reserve. Best known for the distinctive gull-wing doors and its direct fuel injection, in its day, this postwar model was the fastest production car and the first iteration of the SL-Class grand tourer.

This particular 300 SL had its first hime in New York with owner Ambie Collins before heading across the Atlantic in 1979 to join the Wiesenthal Collection in Vienna. The car still has its W-7990 number plate issued on February 28, 1979, making it likely to be one of the last Gullwings in the country with a black plate. The model, with matching numbers, was meticulously restored in the ’90s with thorough documentation, replacing its original checker print interior with black leather.

Take a look and place a bid on the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing at Dorotheum auction house.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

Press Release:

Chassis 198 040 5500200
Motor 198 980 5500225
Aufbau 198 040 5500185

In the Wiesenthal Collection since 1979
The center piece of the collection
Matching Numbers

Mercedes watched the new World Automobile Championship in 1950 with great interest. Ultimately, the competitors from the past placed their bets on the cars from the past, and the miracle cars from those days that were gathering dust in the cellar, thought to still be able to win as they had done back then. Nobody wanted to embarrass themselves, however, so the old race cars were first tested in South America, away from the big stage. And all of a sudden, that their former dominance was shattered. A new ruling that considerably cut down cylinder capacity for Formula 1 in 1952 meant that new developments were in order. As a result, executives decided against Formula 1 and for the World Sportscar Championship. All well and good – but they did not have a car to race in that, either.

With the new 300 series Mercedes had shown the world that they were once again the people to beat in the superior class.

Its 3-litre engine had potential and could actually get up to 170 horsepower. However, the unit was heavy, which meant that the body had to be light. An aerodynamic body made of light aluminium with a drag coefficent of 0.25 was shaped around a skeleton of a spaceframe. The frame itself weighed just 50 kilos. Standard doors would have taken the stability away from the construction, but the problem was solved by giving the 300 SL race cars the characteristic that everyone remembers them for today: their gull-wing doors.

It was not long before it enjoyed success on the race track. No matter whether at the Nürburgring, Carrera Panamericana or at Le Mans, in 1952, the 300 SL won practically every race it competed in. However, retirement was announced as soon as the end of August for the ten race cars that had been built. Ultimately, Mercedes wanted to return to Formula 1 in 1954. It looked like the 300 SL’s fate was sealed before it had even properly got started. A fresh approach was taken to the situation in December. Rudolf Uhlenhaut wanted to have five cars built for 1953 – after all, there was room for improvement, especially in terms of power. Despite this, the chop came once and for all at the start of 1953. They had won everything, dominance had been sufficiently asserted, and Mercedes could confidently dispense with providing further proof.

One of the five cars for which the death knell had sounded was almost finished. This car was now the guinea pig for the Experimental Department. The aim was to make it even lighter, even more streamlined, and above all, even more powerful. While experiments with superchargers had been carried out in the previous year, now fuel injection technology was intended to provide a boost, along with increased compression and bigger inlets and outlets. Work on aircraft engines provided experience in this domain, and the 6-stample injection pump brought it up to 215 horsepower.

We have a man from Vienna, who had emigrated to New York, to thank for the fact that it did not just remain a prototype. Max Hoffmann had been importing Mercedes cars since 1952, but he offered much more than that. He was an aficionado of fast cars and had a keen sense of what the New World wanted. The success of the 300 SL had left an impression on him: the impression that a car like that could make good money.

Hoffman begged the executives in Stuttgart to produce the SL en masse, and even ordered 1,000 of them, until they gave in, in autumn 1953. The racing prototypes gave birth to a mass-produced sports car, just toned down where necessary. The SL was given bumpers, and to save money, the light alloy was dispensed with apart from for the bonnet and doors. The gear-box was returned to the front of the car, by the engine. However, the engine was the same injection-based racing unit from the prototypes. It was rocket science when compared to everything else trundling down the roads.

Mercedes unveiled the finished production 300 SL at the International Motor Sports Show in New York in February 1954, along with its smaller, more civilized brother, the 190 SL. Production began in August, but the first cars stayed in Europe – so Hoffman and his New World had to be patient. Despite the eye-watering price of DM 29,000, it became a triumph. With larger numbers built from 1955 onwards, it also enjoyed success, especially in the USA, where the majority of the cars were sold.

Precisely 1,400 cars were built in just three years. 29 of them were made purely from aluminium and one had a fibreglass body. The 300 SL was continuously improved throughout the period it was produced. It had been a legend for years by the time it was replaced by the Roadster in 1957!

The 300 SL Roadster was revealed in 1957 and replaced the coupé. In terms of design, it was bang up-to-date, and in Stuttgart, they once again exploited their knowledge to the max, giving the Roadster a new rear axle to drastically improve its handling. Later, disc brakes were added, and, finally, an engine block made from aluminium. The Roadster was quite a bit more expensive than the coupé, but it was also quite a bit more successful. 1,858 of them had rolled off the assembly lines by 1963.

The 300 SL in the Wiesenthal Collection is the 200th car produced in 1955. This year saw 855 gullwings produced, the most of any production year. One reason behind this was that this was the year when supply to the USA really began in force – the country where, thanks to Max Hoffman, almost 80% were sold. This car was also sent to New York in a lightweight shipping box, along with a kilo of paint in its DB 180 silver grey. It was cloaked in this most traditional of colours, as were almost 40% of its fellow 300 SLs. Even the interior was standard, inasmuch as you can say that about a vehicle like this: L1, blue-checkered fabric and L, grey upholstery on the doors. Add-ons came in the form of instruments in English, sealed-beam headlights, bumper guards and an SWF windscreen washing system.

This is how the 300 SL arrived to greet Ambie Collins, its first owner, in Port Chester in New York State. She was followed by two more owners before this 300 SL made its way to the Wiesenthal Collection in Vienna in February 1979. It, too, crossed the Atlantic via the network of dealers in the USA. In addition to its open-topped counterpart and the 300 S, it is one of the center pieces of the collection. It still has the number plate issued to it on 28 February 1979: W-7990. This might well make it the last gullwing in the country with black plates.

The old photo in the „Einzelgenehmigung“ reveals that the SL was in good condition back then. Even prior to that, in the USA, the interior had been refreshed in black leather: the checkered fabric had not been made to survive for ever. The body was fully restored in the company’s in-house workshop in 1992 and 1993. The work is documented down to the smallest detail with invoices and numerous polaroids, and, 25 years on, its quality speaks for itself. Ultimately, the engine was also completely overhauled at the turn of the millennium. The SL cropped up at rallies time and time again in the years that followed: it successfully competed at the Alpenfahrt, Ennstal Classic and, last but not least, the Mille Miglia. The SL club meeting in Laxenburg was always a firm date in its diary. Covering 20,000 miles in almost 20 years, it has been kept as inteded to.

It will take a good while before another car can compete with this one, having spent 40 years owned by the same company. With a wonderful patina on the inside and an outstanding restoration performed on its exterior, its overall appearance is fascinating. The 300 SL has always been more than just an automobile: it is a race car that is dressed for the road, more of a piece of art than a car. Every single one is unique – and this one is even more so!

A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing will be heading to the auction block next year – by all means, feel free to start thinking about what you can sell to afford it. Now, a quick history while you ponder your finances. Following the success of the 300 SL racing car in the early Fifties, a Mercedes’ North American dealer told Benz bosses that a road-going version was needed. Mercedes agreed, and the Gullwing was the result.

It was arguably the world’s first supercar, the SL boasting the highest top speed of any production car at the time, and a daft set of doors to match. This particular car on offer – chassis no 5500272 – has been completely restored and boasts a rare white paintjob.

The price? This one is estimated to sell for up to £1.1m (€1.6m).

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing

There’s also a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder. The 550, don’t forget, was originally inspired by the 356 and built to go racing. It ended up becoming one of Stuttgart’s finest-ever sports cars which boasted proper racing pedigree. James Dean used to own one, calling his ‘little b****rd’. Gary Oldman’s got one too.

This particular model is chassis number 550-0068, and is the very car Porsche displayed at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show. It then went on to an ‘illustrious competition career’ and with success on the US motorsport scene through the late Fifties.

The price? It’s estimated to sell for up to £2.5m (€3.6m).

1955 Porsche 550 Spyder

Now, imagine for a moment – you had the cash, which would you go for?

Crack open your piggy banks ladies and gentleman, an unused 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster is headed to the auction block.

It features a 6.9-liter V12 engine producing 612 PS (450 kW) and 775 Nm (572 lb-ft) which enables the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster hit 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in just 3.8 seconds before topping out at 199 mph (320 km/h).

The sale is set for June 26 at a Bonhams event during the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed and is expected to garner between £1.4 million to £1.8 million ($2.17M to $2.79M).

1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster

Bonhams returns! On March 28, 2015 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, the tradition-steeped London auction house Bonhams will for the second time be selling off original classic cars made by Mercedes-Benz and its predecessor brands. This marks a continuation of the successful cooperation between Bonhams and Mercedes-Benz Classic from July 2014.

Bonhams‘ Mercedes-Benz Auction

“Unique and authentic vehicles – that’s what characterises and unites Mercedes-Benz and Bonhams. A key role in our shared philosophy is played by the concept of originality,” explains Michael Bock, Director of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Customer Centre. “After this year’s successful auction, we wish once again in 2015 to provide a suitable stage for Bonhams. Not only collectors, but also museum visitors will have an opportunity next spring to relive the fun of the auction at Mercedes-Benz Classic.”

This year’s auction in July 2014 brought in total sales of almost 12 million euros, with over 70 percent of the 40 vehicles on offer changing owner. A Mercedes-Benz 500 K/540 K from 1934 fetched 3.1 million euros alone. One of the special highlights of this year’s auction in July was the DTM vehicle in which Mika Häkkinen won the 2005 DTM race in Spa-Francorchamps. The racing car was sold for 460,000 euros.

The links between Mercedes-Benz Classic and Bonhams have existed since the 1990s, as vehicles used to be auctioned also at the old Mercedes-Benz Museum in Untertürkheim. Last year, the brand historians at Mercedes-Benz Classic furnished Bonhams with a detailed manufacturer’s report on the W 196 R, the only privately owned postwar Silver Arrow, which came under the hammer at the “Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale” on 12 July 2013. Juan Manuel Fangio’s original Grand Prix racing car from 1954 changed hands for a record auction price of around 23.6 million euros.

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing originally owned by Hollywood legend Clark Gable was auctioned off in the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction on January 19.  The real question of the night was, is the car worth more because of its original celebrity owner?

The 300 SL was purchased new by Clark Gable and customized with high priced updates, wood trimmed Nardi steering wheel and more.  When the actor passed away in 1960, the car changed hands a few times before eventually landing in the garage of Charles Wood in 1975.  In 1989, the Gullwing received a detailed restoration from a Massachusetts based Mercedes-Benz restoration specialist with Gable’s updates left in place.

Clark Gable’s 300 SL Gullwing was expected to go for $2 million, but it seems that in this instance, owning a car with a legendary owner was not worth the extra money.  The bidding hit a standstill at $1.9 million and did not sell because of the high reserve.  The car however did sell later on for $1.85 million.

Press Release:

Barrett-Jackson Lot: 5001 – 1955 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL GULLWING COUPE

Purchased new by Clark Gable at Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood, Calif. List price was $7,295 FOB NYC. After Gable’s death in November 1960, ownership was passed to Harry Haeigen, cartoonist and Gable’s publicist. Title passed to Charles Wood, owner of Grand Stand Amusement Park in 1975. In 1989, Mr. Wood commissioned Paul M. Russell of Gullwing Service Company, Inc. of Essex, Mass. To restore this classic at a cumulative cost of nearly $200,000. Gable ditched the standard steel wheels for the racing Rudge knock-offs the car wears now. The wood and chrome Nardi steering wheel replaces the standard white wheel, early photos show the Nardi wheel in Gable’s lifetime. The car was featured in the May/June 2006 edition of Motor Trend Classic magazine. At the time the car was subjected to extensive testing that shows it can handle and perform much as it did in 1955. Copies of the 1960s auto registration cards show Clark Gable’s signature along with Kathleen “Kay” Sprecker’s (5th Wife). Gable signed service orders from Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood for a lube/oil change for $4.00 and parts for $10.83 total. From the Bob Howard Collection.
Via: Autoblog

Gooding & Company, known for selling some high end, amazing cars, recently helped sell a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, which is only one of 29 that was built with an aluminum alloy body.

It is  no stretch to say that a standard Mercedes 300SL Gullwing prices will be over a million dollars, however this 1955 matching-numbers Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was expected to sell between $2,500,000 and $3,000,000 because of the rarity of the alloy body. The final bid came in at $4.2 million, and with auction fees, the final selling price of the 300SL Gullwing was a whopping $4.62 million.  A record price for this car.

Information from Gooding & Company on the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL is below.

“[The 300 SL Coupe] is the ultimate in an all-around sports car. It combines more desirable features in one streamlined package than we ever imagined or hoped would be possible”
–Road & Track Editors, 1955

If not for US importer Max Hoffman and his passion for a sports coupe based on the highly successful W194 series race cars, the Mercedes-Benz immortal 300 SL line would never have come to production.

The racing success of the factory team was having a positive effect on Mercedes-Benz sales in the US. However, without a car clearly related to the race-winning machines, the marketing advantage of the immensely costly racing effort was limited. Accordingly, Mercedes-Benz management approved the 300 SL project after Mr. Hoffman’s firm made a commitment to purchase 1,000 of the cars for US distribution.

Integral to the marketing plan for the groundbreaking new sports car was the expectation that the cars would be used for competition by private owners in order to bolster sales in the showrooms, and the factory ensured that the 300 SL was accepted by the FIA for international competition.

As a result, the production Gullwing could be ordered with an all-aluminum body. When chosen, many additional competition upgrades followed suit. A competition camshaft was fitted along with stiffer, shorter springs that lowered the car and enhanced peak performance, while racing-specification tires on wider rims promoted better adhesion. Plexiglass windows and vented brake drums were also featured in the package. The cars were nearly 200 pounds lighter than the standard steel-bodied version. In all, just 29 of these aluminum-bodied cars were ordered and built – approximately 2% of the total Gullwing production.

This Car

Derived for sport, this aluminum Gullwing did not see competitive use. Completed on April 20, 1955, 5500208 was appropriately finished in metallic silver gray over a blue leather interior. The 300 SL was also outfitted with Rudge wheels, the NSL motor and Plexiglas windows per aluminum-build specifications.

On May 27, 1955, the Alloy Gullwing was sent to Rotterdam where it was loaded aboard a Holland America Line ship for transport to New York. Upon arrival, the Mercedes-Benz distributor sent 5500208 to the West Coast for ultimate delivery to Veron Holz of Bonita, California. The new aluminum-bodied Gullwing would have been an extravagant machine on the roads of San Diego in the late 1950s.

Although the early history of this Gullwing is not known, there is no apparent race record for 5500208. In March 1980, the 300 SL resurfaced in San Diego and was sold through a motorcar locator to Hans Dieter Blatzheim of Bonn, Germany. The purchase price was an astonishing $57,000 for an unrestored car, which the seller most likely assumed was steel. The invoice for the purchase still exists, indicating the alloy chassis number 198.043.5500208.

In need of some attention, the Alloy Gullwing made its way to the well-known restoration shop Hill & Vaughn in Santa Monica, California. Phil Hill and Ken Vaughn had gained a reputation for their high-quality restorations and were frequent winners at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Disassembly of the car began in April 1980, and the car is accompanied by a significant file of numerous invoices and photographs documenting the work performed by Hill & Vaughn.

The invoices identify the completeness of 5500208, as well as its solid state, which was no doubt a benefit of having spent 25 years in Southern California. Some necessary aluminum work was addressed and the meticulous fitting of the doors, hood and deck lid are thoroughly outlined. Additionally, the engine and gearbox were sent to AMG Motorbau in Germany for rebuilding. Subsequently returned to Hill & Vaughn in early 1982, the project was nearing completion. By mid-year, the car was ready for paint and assembly.

For unknown reasons, Herr Blatzheim requested that 5500208 be packed in a sea container and sent to Germany. The car was loaded and loose parts were thoroughly inventoried before shipment in November 1982.

The completion of the restoration was conducted in Germany, but not before the body was stripped and prepared again for paint. Photos dated October 1983 show the bare aluminum skin in outstanding condition, proving straight and showing good panel fit. Further photo documentation shows the restoration and assembly of the chassis and completion of the car in silver with gray leather.

In May 1984, the 5500208 was sold to Markus Ahr of Germany. During his ownership, work was performed by Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft including a rebuild of the engine. Herr Ahr kept the car well into the 1990s, at which time work was performed by Kienle Automobiltechnik. Photo documentation shows a rebuild of the transmission, rear end, brakes and suspension. Retaining the silver-over-gray finish, detail work was conducted on gauges and other ancillary components and the project was completed in 1998. Not long after, the Alloy Gullwing was sold to Friedhelm Loh, a noted German collector with a passion for significant Mercedes-Benz.

In 2009, Ken McBride of Seattle, Washington, was given the opportunity to buy 5500208. Having had a handful of Gullwings, Mr. McBride appreciated the importance of an Alloy and, for the first time in his many years of collecting, had the chance to own one. Although his collection was significantly diverse, Mr. McBride had always focused on Mercedes-Benz and had acquired a 540 K Special Coupe, a 540 K Cabriolet A and eventually a 380 K Erdmann & Rossi Special Roadster.

After some serious thought, and perhaps a little family persuasion, the Alloy Gullwing was bought for the collection. In the company of a J Duesenberg Murphy Roadster, a Ferrari 410 Superamerica and other significant cars, the 300 SL was more than a notable entry, it was a dream come true for a man who had an Alloy Gullwing high on a short list of cars to own.

In late 2009, Mr. McBride fell ill and the newly acquired Mercedes-Benz took a back seat. At that time, the Gullwing was sent to noted 300 SL restorer Rudi Koniczek at Rudi & Co. for some necessary sorting. Mr. McBride wanted certain aspects of the car corrected, predominantly the shade of silver and the interior. In the months to come, the Alloy Gullwing was stripped to bare metal and repainted in its original silver (DB 180). Necessary body work was conducted and a methodical process was undertaken to ensure proper assembly and fit of the aluminum body. The gray leather interior was removed and the correct blue leather was installed. Some additional mechanical work was conducted, as well as detailing of various components. One deviation from the original was the addition of seat cushions upholstered in plaid, acknowledging the lightweight car’s racing alter ego – they are a marvelous touch.

In mid-2011, Mr. Koniczek had finished the restoration but, sadly, Mr. McBride passed away before he could see the final masterpiece. The result was truly spectacular! Shortly after, Mr. McBride’s wife Patty and the rest of the McBride family chose to show the Alloy Gullwing at the Kirkland Concours d’Elegance where it rightfully won its class.

The finish of the 300 SL is of the highest level and the car retains a very correct appearance. With a livery that is a tasteful yet bold statement, the quality of the work and attention to detail is obvious and further inspection reveals the purity of this Alloy Gullwing. The original engine remains, correctly stamped NSL, and the body number can be found stamped on the left wheel arch in the engine compartment. Additionally, the Gullwing has belly pans, its chrome Rudge wheels are original, the luggage is properly finished in natural pig skin, the Becker radio is correct, the grille has the proper “curved star” – the list goes on.

Furthermore, this Alloy Gullwing is accompanied by a tool kit, a knock-off hammer, a jack, comprehensive documentation, the Mercedes-Benz Certificate, an owner’s manual, an instruction manual, a spare parts catalogue, a service book and Becker radio manuals.

5500208 is a sensation to drive. Its road manners are what one would expect from any beautifully engineered motorcar. The true excitement, however, is when this supercar comes on cam. With abundant power and torque, and precise gearshift, this Gullwing is simply addictive.

In recent years, these ultra-rare, competition- specification cars have come to be recognized by collectors and enthusiasts for what they have always been – truly the best of the best. They are a tiny group of factory-built, lightweight racers, constructed with the express intention of increasing the public visibility of one of the greatest sports cars ever constructed.

Gullwings are routinely acknowledged as favorites in a collection of any size. They are prized for their magnificent engineering and build quality, purity of design and outstanding driving experience. Aluminum-bodied examples – all 29 of which have survived to this day – are very seldom offered for sale.

As one of the most iconic motorcars of all time, it can easily be said that the Alloy Gullwing is the most significant road-going Mercedes-Benz of the post-war era.

Mercedes-Benz is not only the main sponsor of the 2011 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance but they are also responsible for two of the most coveted live auction items up for grabs at the event.  First up will be a limited edition 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG – one of only 30 produced.  Next up will be the car we have been bringing you spy photos of on a regular basis, the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.  In total, there are sixteen live auction items with highlights including a trip to the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 with Roger Penske, a tour of Jay Leno’s personal garage and a Ulysse Nardin EL TORO watch.

Below is a complete overview of the live auction items guest will bid on February 26th at the Concours d’Elegance Grand Gala Dinner and Auction.

2012 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Limited Edition

The Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance has done it again; bringing yet another unique ‘first’ to the Gala guests. This year, guests will also have the chance to bid on and win the first in the country an all new Mercedes model as well – the 2012 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Limited Edition – one of only 30 produced. The winning bidder of this high performance luxury sedan will receive an official Letter of Authenticity from Mercedes-Benz stating that this vehicle is the first one in the United States, and will be able to configure the options and colors on the car the way they want. This vehicle combines the stunning beauty of classic Mercedes design with a stellar amount of precise power. In short, this dynamic vehicle is a must-have for all serious drivers; and a can-have the first one in the country for the guests at the 2011 Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance. Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz & AutoNation

2012 Audi R8-GT the first one delivered in the United States

The Audi R8 has made memorable appearances at the Boca Raton Concours d’ Elegance before. In 2009, the first and second R8 V10s in the country were auctioned off, bringing in a world record breaking $500,000 and $350,000, respectively when they were won by two lucky bidders. Last year the winning bidder took home the 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Cabriolet Convertible. And this year, there will be another chance to make a new Audi model their own – as the first in the country 2012 Audi R8 GT will be auctioned off, the first of only 90 to be sold in the United States. The winning bidder will receive an official Letter of Authenticity stating that this vehicle is the first one in the United States. The winning bidder will also be able to configure the options and colors on the car the way they want. Just when driving-enthusiasts thought things couldn’t get any better – Audi has risen to challenge. They have produced a lighter, faster and more powerful high-performance Audi R8 with the 2012 Audi R8-GT – a beautiful vehicle that performs as well on the track as it does on the everyday roadways. Courtesy of Audi

2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

It’s no secret that Mercedes understands how to produce the perfect combination of luxury and power. And with the introduction of the all new 2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, any skepticism will officially be eradicated. Bid on the opportunity to be the first one in America to own the first Mercedes 2012 SLS AMG Roadster in the country . The winning bidder will receive an official Letter of Authenticity from Mercedes-Benz stating that this vehicle is the first one delivered in the United States, and the lucky winning bidder will be able to configure the options and colors on the car the way they want. The new SLS AMG is the perfect culmination of the track and road, designed like a racing sports car intended for every-day consumer use.

Be Roger Penske’s Guest at the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500

You and a guest will be the personal guest of Roger Penske at the premier event of the 2011 Indy Car Series Season, the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. While in Indianapolis, you will stay two nights in luxurious accommodations. This VIP package includes (2) two seats at the Family Drivers & Team Penske Dinner on Saturday, May 28, 2011 and on race day Sunday, May 29th you will receive 2 Suite Passes, 2 Pit/Garage Credentials so you can see all the action up close and personal. This is truly a money can’t experience for all you race fans so start your bidding! Courtesy of Kathy & Roger Penske

100th Anniversary Indy 500 Package with A.J. Foyt

You and a guest are invited to the 100th Centennial Celebration of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, the Indianapolis 500!! As the winner of this package, you and your guest will start off the weekend on Saturday with a meet-and-greet with racing legend A.J. Foyt and his Indy Car Driver Vitor Meira, at the Foyt Garage in Gasoline Alley. You will then have the exclusive opportunity to watch as the field of 33 drivers receive their final race instructions during the Indy 500 Driver’s Meeting.

On Sunday, watch the Indianapolis 500 from reserved grandstand seats at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After the race, you and your guest can return to Gasoline Alley to watch post-race activities. The Indy 500 is home to many of the most recognizable icons in professional sports, including the Borg-Warner Trophy, Gasoline Alley, the Yard of Bricks and the Winner’s drink of milk. The drama of hundreds of thousands of spectators listening to Jim Nabors sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” and the sound of “The Star Spangled Banner” as jets fly overhead is truly awe-inspiring.

The roar of the engines as the field accelerates down the front straightaway as the green flag drops sends chills down the spines of everyone watching. Spectators cannot help but feel as though they are part of the history of the Speedway and the tradition that surrounds its most famous race.

You will receive:

• 2 Premium Reserved Grandstand Seats
• 2 Passes to Gasoline Alley on Saturday & post race Sunday
• 2 Driver Meeting Passes for Saturday which include:
• Gate and Garage area admission (9:00am – 1:00pm)
• Private Meet/Greet with A.J. Foyt and Vitor Meira – time Tba
• 3 Nights Accommodations at the Westin

In addition to this package:  “Firestone Racing invites you and a guest into our garage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at our operations. Meet our race day team, who will explain how we manage the 5,620 tires we bring for Indy 500 practice, qualifying and the race, as well as the technological advancements our engineers have made to meet the intense demands of this legendary 2.5-mile oval. Learn about Firestone’s 100-plus year history in racing, and how some of the most memorable moments in Indianapolis 500 history occurred on Firestone brand race tires. We can even offer a peek into a couple of race team garages. You and your guest will receive some great Firestone collectables to commemorate your experience.”  The tour can happen on race day (May 29), Carburetion Day (May 27), or either of the two qualifying days (May 21 or 22). Courtesy of A.J. Foyt and A.J. Foyt Racing

Be Honda’s guest at the 100th Anniversary of the Indy 500

You and a guest will be the personal guest of Honda at the premier event of the 2011 Indy Car Series Season, the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. This VIP package includes (2) two seats in the Honda Suite for race day Sunday, May 29th, 2011 you will receive 2 Pit Passes, 2 Honda Gasoline Alley Passes so you can see all the action up close and personal. The suite is an enclosed, air-conditioned viewing area with an outdoor grandstand above. Enjoy a catered buffet lunch with a full bar. While in Indianapolis you will stay three nights (Friday, May 27, Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29) at the Marriott Downtown. This is truly a money can’t buy experience for all you race fans so start your bidding! Courtesy of Honda

Tour Jay’s Garage and VIP Tickets to the Tonight Show

Four People Tour Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage with 4 VIP tickets to a taping of the Tonight Show. Pack your bags for a once in a lifetime opportunity. You and 3 guests will get a tour of the Big Dog Garage. Jay’s personal car collection ranges from a 1906 Baker Electric car, 1906 Stanley Steamer, a Monteverde, a Bugatti Atlantic, a turbine motorcycle to a 2006 Corvette. His private collection is stored in a 17,000 square foot garage including a private garage with full time mechanics on staff and a gourmet kitchen where Jay can be seen on his days off cooking up something special for special visitors. After your tour, you’ll be Jay’s guests for a VIP experience at a taping of the Tonight Show. Donor: Jay Leno and the Tonight Show

Robb Report’s Car of the Year Judge “You Be The Judge”

For years, the “definite authority on connoisseurship for ultra-affluent customers,” the Robb Report is truly the global luxury source. This specialty magazine invites you to test-drive one of the world’s finest new automobiles. You will also be part of the judging process for the Robb Report Car of the Year issue. Spend two nights at Meadowood in Napa Valley, California where you and a guest will enjoy complimentary meals (including two cocktail parties, two breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners). This private estate will be the destination for a select group of Robb Report editors and senior executives, and a handful of their prestigious VIPS. Here you will spend two days evaluating and sharing your driving impressions of the best new luxury and sports car offerings of the year. The winning bidder will participate in this two day event during the beginning of November 2011. The results will be published in the March 2012 issue of Robb Report. Courtesy of Robb Report & CurtCo

7 days/ 6 nights at a Magnificent Villa in Mallorca Spain for 6 people

Up to 3 couples will enjoy one of the largest and nicest homes in Mallorca. It is located on wonderfully landscaped grounds and features a beautiful swimming pool and a tennis court. You will also have access to the country club located next to the villa. The club offers a beautiful golf course as well as a full spa. Two automobiles will be provided for touring the island or shopping in town. The villa is fully staffed for your pleasure. The restaurants on this island are great, but you will also enjoy 2 catered dinners at one of the many charming dining areas in the villa. Courtesy of Kim & Joe Moore

Ulysse Nardin EL TORO watch, Piece Unique

Patented Perpetual Calendar. Self-winding movement. 18 platinum case with ceramic bezel. Water-resistant to 100 m. Rubber bracelet. Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin CAPRICE “QUEEN OF HEART” watch

Self-winding movement. Stainless steel. Water-resistant to 50 m. mother of pearl dial, center paved with diamonds “heart”. Galusha strap. Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin THE BOUTIQUE, Maxi Diver Limited Edition

Self-winding movement. Stainless steel case with matte-black vulcanized rubber coating. Open case back. Unidirectional rotating bezel with gold inlays. Water-resistant to 200 m. Rubber bracelet. Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Breitling for Bentley GMT Midnight Screamer

Breitling for Bentley GMT Midnight Screamer with black diamonds in black steel which is special finish created by using an ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment. Limited to 500 pieces with a total diamond weight of 2.28 cts., this timepiece is powered by the Caliber 47B, an exclusive dual timezone movement.

“The Four Time Winners”

(A tribute to A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears) by Colin Carter. As the Indy 500 ends its first Century, there is an exclusive club of only three, four time winners.The first was A.J. Foyt who is the only driver to win 7 National Indy Car Championships, 67 Indy Car race victories and 53 Pole positions. The second was Al Unser Sr., who also has 2 National Indy Car Championships and ranks third in the all-time Indy Car victory list with 39. The third was Rick Mears who also won 3 National Indy Car Championships, 26 Indy Car races and 6 Pole positions at Indianapolis.

“NINE WINS”

(A Tribute to the Unser family) by Colin Carter The Unser family are the “Secretariat” of auto racing and no family has dominated any sport as the Unser’s have. Bobby won three Indy 500’s, his brother Al won four Indy 500’s, Al’s son Al Jr. two 2 Indy 500’s and Bobby’s son Robby captured a fifth place finish in the 1998 race. Bobby and Al’s brother Jerry started in the 1958 Indy 500, but, tragically, lost his life in practice for the 1959 race. Jerry’s son Johnny went on to compete in five Indy 500’s.The Unser family won nine Indy 500’s, seven National Indy Car Championships and 108 Indy Car Races.