The Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth has marked its eighth anniversary with the unveiling of a new addition to its collection: a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing finished in a custom cyan blue with red leather interior.
The legendary vehicle, renowned for its iconic upward-opening “gullwing” doors and advanced fuel-injected engine, has undergone a complete transformation from its original moss green color to the eye-catching blue that now makes it stand out as the only 300 SL of its kind on the planet.
A Childhood Dream Realized
Museum founder Gunther Buerman’s connection to the Gullwing dates back to his childhood. “When I was a kid, I used wax paper and a pencil to draw the Gullwing from ads that appeared in National Geographic,” Buerman recalled. “So I’ve always loved it and have been looking for one for the Museum.”
The unique color choice has an interesting origin story. After Canada’s Legendary Motorcar Company (LMC) approached Buerman with a moss-green 300 SL in need of restoration, he requested a specific color. “LMC couldn’t find the color I had in my mind – one I saw on a Gullwing in a photograph taken next to the harbor in Monaco – but one day I saw the exact match on my grandchild’s candy wrapper, so I sent it to them to match.”
Perfect Timing for Father’s Day
The restored Gullwing made its debut in the Museum’s World Car Gallery just in time for Father’s Day weekend, when nearly 1,000 visitors came to see what has grown into an internationally acclaimed exhibit of over 100 cars since the museum opened in 2017.
The car is strategically positioned in the World Car Gallery, around the corner from a red 1989 Lamborghini Countach. The collection also includes other European cars such as hypercars, BMWs, and Jaguars.
Beyond the Gullwing
The Newport Car Museum, housed in a former missile manufacturing facility, features seven galleries total, showcasing Corvettes, Ford/Shelbys, Fin Cars, Porsches, Mopars, and American Muscle cars. Visitors can explore at their own pace with knowledgeable docents available to answer questions, and on the second weekend of every month, hoods go up for an even closer look at the mechanical marvels.
Head Docent Vincent Moretti summed up the new addition’s appeal: “Whether you’re drawn to its technical brilliance, the pop of color in its bespoke finish, or simply the chance to see one of the world’s most desirable cars up close, this Gullwing promises to be a highlight of any visit.”
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tickets available at the door or online at www.newportcarmuseum.org. Regular admission is $20 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, military, students, and children.
