Clark Gables 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL up for auction

Barrett-Jackson, the World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions have announced that Clark Gable's 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe will be offered at the company's 2013 Scottsdale auction as part of the Salon Collection on January 19, 2013. Other unique vehicles will also be offered up for sale from January 13-20, 2013, under the company's iconic quarter-mile tent.

Hailed as "the King of Hollywood," Gable's car will be seen for the first time at Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas auction at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino from September 20-22, 2012. The car was purchased by Gable himself at Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood and is considered to be one of the most celebrated two-seaters of all time.

The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing was created as the production version of the 1952 Le Mans-winning 300SL, only 1400 were produced and it became the world's first gasoline fuel injected production car, thanks to a Bosch mechanical fuel injection.

The car has since been restored by Paul Russel and was maintained by Mercedes mechanics. It is equipped with fitted luggage, rare Rudge knock-off wheels and a Nardi steering wheel. In addition, the SL's original registration solidifies the provenance of this rolling piece of Hollywood history with the signatures of William Clark Gable and his fifth wife, Kay Sprekels Gable.