MBCA San Francisco Bay Area – 300SL Museum Tour

A Mercedes-Benz 300 SL museum offers an opportunity for enthusiasts visiting the Napa Valley.

By Don Penney, Activities Director

It was the world's first true super car. It was the fastest production car at the time and was fuel injected.  A group of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL owners has created an exciting new, single marque museum devoted to the historic Coupes and Roadsters that were manufactured from 1954 to 1963. Our goal is to educate the public about these incredible examples of engineering and art. The museum is dedicated not only to the cars, but also their owners (both storied and mundane) and their fabulous racing history. The facility contains not only numerous 300 SL automobiles, but includes photographs, posters, examples of rare optional equipment and accessories, historical information, an informative 15 minute DVD, an extensive reference library and much more.

I'm not sure how many automobile museums are scattered around the United States but they must number in the hundreds. Current Gullwing Group president Pat Matthews and a small group of 300SL enthusiasts have created the 198 series museum in California’s Napa Valley. While not connected to the 600 member Gullwing Group, the 300SL Automobile Museum shares the GWG’s goals of preserving the 300SL’s heritage and dwindling knowledge base. The museum gives the preservation a solid, tangible base where enthusiasts can experience the cars and their history first hand.

A docent will be on hand for the tour. In addition to the display area, there is a racing room and a Museum store with SL related books, models and art available.

The museum is not associated with the Gull Wing Group, but maintains an excellent working relationship. The museum is not affiliated with Daimler-Benz AG.

Registration deadline is Saturday June 7. Questions? Contact
Don Penney at (707) 310-0460.