Hilton & Moss: 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Full Restoration

Hilton & Moss Complete Full Concours Nut and Bolt Restoration on 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

British Mercedes-Benz W198 experts complete an extensive 3-year restoration on an incredibly rare 1956 Mercedes-Benz W198 300SL Gullwing.

Over 4,000 hours of restoration across a 3-year period.

Hilton & Moss rank as the UK’s leading Mercedes-Benz restoration specialists. Hilton & Moss is known for its world-class restoration capabilities, based out of 125,000 sq ft (3.5-acre) state-of-the-art facility in Hertfordshire.

High-resolution Images can be found here.
Restoration photos can be found here.

7th November, Bishop’s Stortford, UK – Hilton & Moss is proud to announce the completion of an extensive concours-level nut and bolt restoration on a 1956 Mercedes-Benz W198 300SL Gullwing, one of the most iconic and revered sports cars ever built.

Having spent over 25 years in storage prior to its restoration, this exceptional example of Mercedes-Benz’s engineering mastery has been brought back to life by the Hilton & Moss team through over 4,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship across a 3-year restoration process. Every stage of the restoration was carried out entirely in-house, encompassing metalwork, engine and running gear rebuild, paint, electricals and interior trimming. What is now showcased is an incredibly original car, including all original metal work on the body and chassis, which is almost unheard of.

The car has been finished in period-correct DB180G Silver-Grey Metallic paintwork paired with 1079 Red leather, a timeless and authentic colour combination that perfectly captures the spirit of the 1950s.

Attention to detail was paramount throughout the project. The restoration team took great care to preserve original hammer markings and stamps in the bodywork, retaining the authenticity of the car’s handcrafted origins. Even the floor tubs were refinished in the correct shade of brown-green paint, a detail rooted in the car’s history, as Mercedes-Benz originally used surplus military paint in this area.

Further distinguishing this Gullwing are Rudge knock-off wheels, a rare and desirable period option, and a set of matching red leather suitcases and carry bags that complete the car’s luxurious specification. A bespoke upgrade for this project was the edition of two lightweight carry bags finished in the same red leather, which made this project unique and entirely tailored to the customer's preferences, whilst being sympathetic to the car's provenance.

“This project represents the very best of what Hilton & Moss stands for,” said William Garrett, General Manager at Hilton & Moss. “The Gullwing is a masterpiece of engineering and design, and it has been a privilege for our team to restore it to its former glory while preserving its originality and heritage. Every detail, from the paint finish to the stitching of the interior, has been executed with the utmost care and respect for the marque.”

The completion of this 300SL Gullwing further reinforces Hilton & Moss’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading specialists in classic car restoration, with over 40 years of experience working with the world’s most celebrated marques.