Rarely does a vintage car race or classic auction pass without a Mercedes Gullwing taking center stage. Nevertheless, Matthias Bonczkowitz’s 300 SL stands out uniquely, being the 19th model produced and driven by renowned personalities like Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio.
Matthias Bonczkowitz and his shining silver Mercedes 300 SL from the W198 series have formed an impressive partnership over the years, though it often goes unnoticed. A silver 300 SL is a familiar sight at prestigious classic car auctions in Pebble Beach, Dubai, or Lake Como, as well as at renowned classic races. Owner Matthias Bonczkowitz maintains a low profile, barely catching anyone’s attention. The pairing of W198/BONCZKOWITZ is deemed a “perfect match” by both Americans and Brits.
The 1950s super sports car holds a legendary status, with Matthias Bonczkowitz’s model being the original display vehicle for the new Gullwing in the European market, unveiled at the 1954 Paris Motor Show. Initially a latecomer, this silver gem found its place on the Mercedes stand in Paris after being displaced by a Formula 1 car of the W196 type. Acquired by Bonczkowitz for nearly 5,000 British pounds, the car was soon presented by Mercedes-Benz GB Ltd. at the London Motor Show in Earl’s Court. With the registration number PLB 23, it boasted impressive stats: 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, 0 to 120 mph in 56.4 seconds, and a top speed of nearly 220 km/h, potentially reaching speeds of up to 260 km/h depending on the rear axle ratio. Identified by chassis number 198.040-4500019 and engine number 198.980-4500003, it was the 19th Gullwing produced.
However, the Gullwing’s feats were not limited to showcases, as it also conquered racetracks worldwide. Racing legends like Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Karl Kling took turns driving the silver car on tracks and corners. Matthias Bonczkowitz proudly showcases various documentaries and the Mercedes Classic Center’s expertise on this unique racing car with a distinctive blue interior, backed by historical documents. An original letter from Sir Stirling Moss confirms the car’s use in preparation for the Mille Miglia, accompanied by factory team navigator Denis Jenkinson. Despite the factory team’s lack of detailed records on the specific chassis, Sir Stirling Moss’s recollection ties the car to his preparations for the 1955 Mille Miglia victory with a 300 SLR.
The Gullwing coupe PLB 23 changed several hands, finally landing with Peter Woozley via HW Motors Ltd. in Walton-on-Thames. Woozley raced the car at club events, achieving second place with the fastest lap in the 1959 Stanley Sears Trophy at Snetterton. Restored by specialist JD Classics to its original 1954/55 condition, the car made waves at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2011, where it received Stirling Moss’s signature. Supporting documents include the “Stirling Moss Scrapbook, 1955”, the original 300 SL sales brochure, an old-style logbook, Autocar magazine with the road test, a diskette containing restoration images, a FIVA passport, a current vehicle registration certificate, and a V5 registration document.
Throughout the years, the car made appearances at events like the revived Mille Miglia and a return to Pebble Beach in 2021. This year, it made a remarkable visit to the Sir Stirling Moss memorial at Westminster Abbey in London, followed by the Mille Miglia. PLB 23 and Matthias Bonczkowitz are well-acquainted with this event.
