Sometimes, it isn’t about what you know, but who you know. Nowhere is that more true than in the automotive community. You never really know what is hiding in some barns, garages, shops, and back yards.

This weekend just passed, I spent the morning with the local Porsche 356 group. We gather every month for breakfast and conversation on the third Saturday, and this particular Saturday, we all met up at a member’s nice heated shop for bagels, cinnamon rolls, and coffee. While he does have a 356 (a beautiful Super 90 Cabriolet), as well as a 911, frankly, the most captivating member of his collection was the 1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” sitting on the four-post lift as though it were the centerpiece of the gathering. Captivated and enthralled, I just had to take the opportunity to photograph it from every angle possible, and then ogle and drool for another hour.

The Merc, a 1955 model (not an aluminum car), wasn’t one that I’ve ever been drawn to. I’ve become a vintage Porsche enthusiast, and I’ve always held the 356 in higher esteem. Prior to this weekend, however, I had never really gotten the opportunity to look at a 300SL up close and personal. I think that this experience has allowed me to see the error in my ways.

From the elongated hood stretching out in front of you, and bechromed front end, through the gorgeously appointed passenger compartment, on to the sharply sloping rear haunches, this beauty doesn’t have a single spoiling angle. There are no rough edges, no questionable design aspects, and nothing is out of place. It is simply voluptuous curves and smooth arcs across every surface.

This particular car, I was told by the owner, is among the most well-traveled ‘wings in the west. The previous owner would attend every annual “Gullwing Group Convention”, alternating between driving this 300SL Gullwing, and his 300SL Roadster to the event, which alternates locations every year. As such, over the years, this car racked up a number of miles, and the current owner is continuing the tradition. Since he purchased the car eight years ago, he’s driven it more than 25,000 miles. For a weekend car, that’s a decent chunk of miles.

While Porsche’s bathtub 356 is certainly a gorgeous car, it isn’t a good idea to have it sharing garage space with this Mercedes, as the Merc will win favor in the battle for attention every time. It makes the Porsche look simple and benign in comparison, and absolutely dwarfs it in terms of “presence”. The Sport Leicht is a more imposing car, and it is easy to tell that they weren’t even on the same playing field 5 decades ago.

The unfortunate part about the car being garaged and on a lift was that it was a little difficult to photograph. There were people, other cars, and four lift posts in the way of some good shots, and it was a little frustrating, but I did my best to bring this delightful car to your computer screens. In all, though, I was very grateful to have the opportunity to look the car over in intimate detail. Some of the stories told about the car, and about its history, are almost deserving of another post entirely.

Personally, I’ll just wallow in my plebeian lifestyle and continue to live without a proper vintage German sporting automobile. I guess I’ll have to wait for the vintage German car bubble to burst before I can afford one, because I’m certainly not dropping a million dollars on a 300SL, and can’t even come close to the 100 grand that it costs to get a decent 356 Coupe these days.

I did get the opportunity to sit in the Merc, which was something of a feat for a 6 plus footer like me. I had to sit on the massive elevated sill, tuck my right leg up to my chin and spin it under the tilted steering wheel. Next, I slid my fat rear into the plush and comfy driver’s seat, keeping my left leg hanging out over the sill. Another accordion fold saw my left knee kissing my cheek yet again, and a pivot down into the foot well. Even as tall as I am, though, once inside, it was a decently comfortable seating position. The “roof” section of the door is recessed to fit my giant melon, and the steering wheel, while large, is flanked by plenty of room for my thunder thighs. Were it not for my outrageously ill-equipped bank account, I could see myself driving one of these on a regular basis.

I’d like to thank the owner (you know who you are) for the experience, and indulging my childish ogling.

All images ©2013 Hooniverse/Bradley C. Brownell, All Rights Reserved.

Bradley C. Brownell is an Editor with Hooniverse.com, but he also contributes to his own site “BavarianDrive“. Head over there for more of his work.