In the middle of Germany (to be honest in the middle of nowhere) sits one of the most important classic car dealers in the world.
They come from all over Europe, America the Middle East to visit him and service their cars. And to see Mr Hans Kleissl known as HK – widely known to be the largest expert on 300SL along with Kienle.
Kleissl had the foresight to start HK Engineering 25 years ago and has stuck to his philosophy: Do one thing but do that well.
Mr Kleissl only specialises in the 300SL (Gullwing as well as Roadster). He does nothing else. I know no other dealer that has done this.
As a result HK has built up a formidable reputation when it comes to the 300SL.
Any serious collector of cars owning a 300SL will go to no-one but HK. The market is very strong for classic cars and it is no surprise that HK Engineering business is booming right now. The 300SL is among the all time great collector cars and is considered a blue chip car and a must have for most collectors in the world. The Gullwing (of which 1400 were made) has always been slightly worth more than a roadster (1800 made). Even with an average price of €850’000- HK Engineering managed to sell over 5 examples at Essen (Techno Classica).
In total HK sold 7 cars which is a very strong result. We sat down with Hans Kleissl to talk about the 300SL and the market for classic cars.
LME: You just came back from Techno Classica (Essen). How is the market doing? What were your impressions?
Kleissl: The market is still very strong. We managed to sell 5 300SL Gullwings and 2 300SL Roadsters. This was even better than 2012 which was a strong year.You just came back from Techno Classica (Essen). How is the market doing? What were your impressions?
So the demand for the 300SL is healthier than ever?
Kleissl: Yes the demand is so strong right now, the major problem we have – is getting access to the cars. The price appreciation happens so fast lately that owners do not want to sell their cars.
The 300SL Gullwing was always worth about 15-20% more than the roadster. Will this stay?
Kleissl: Yes its been this way for over 30 years and I see no reason why this will change. The 300SL Gullwing was so far ahead of anything else at the time. Also don’t forget the 300SL Roadster which was made for the American market is a derivative of the 300SL Gullwing. The 300SL is the only car I know of where the closed version is more expensive than the open version. Interesting right?
What makes the 300SL Gullwing so special?
Kleissl: The 300SL Gullwing was just so far ahead of its time. The design by the genius Rudolf Uhlenhaut, was just remarkable. Some components of the car come from the Aerospace industry (like the direct fuel injection- a worlds first at the time). The 300SL Gullwing was faster on a straight line than anything the competition had at the time. Only in 1957 did Ferrari finally catch up and produce a car that was faster.
We have heard from the 1400 Gullwings built, that you know over half of them and who the owners are.
Kleissl: Yes I have been dealing with the 300SL for so long now, I estimate over 400 (so almost 1/3) have passed through my hands.
What has changed in the past twenty five years? Surely the Americans and Europeans who were the major buyers before are not buying like before. Where is the demand coming from?
Kleissl: Today it is coming from countries like Russia. The Far East is also taking an interest in old-timers.
How did you start HK Engineering?
Kleissl: Already during my law studies I was collecting cars. I decided to make it a business and stopped my studies. At first I rented old cars for TV, Movies and advertisement as many film companies were based around Munich. Then the business moved elsewhere and I had to come up with a new idea. That is where I started HK Engineering concentrating only on 300SL.
Your personal 300SL Gullwing was once owned by Porfoirio Rubirosa, the legendary Playboy and Diplomat who loved fast cars. Tell us more!
Kleissl: I actually didn’t know for a long time and only bought this particular model because of the number plate HK 300SL (HK are my initials). I first found out much later having owned the car for a few years that the car was once own by Rubirosa. I only found out when I was doing research on the cars owner history. Just on a side note, I own three 300SL Gullwings. Two of them I use for racing.
You are known to drive the Carrera Panamerica- the most dangerous rally in the world. What fascinates you about this rally?
Kleissl: It is one of the last proper rallys out there, where you have to concentrate. Yes accidents happen and occasionally deaths occur (when drivers fall 500m down with their car) but its a proper drivers rally. Also the Carrera Panamerica is historically important for Mercedes as it here were they won their first major championship in 1952. So its hugely important for Mercedes and the brand.
Now I ask HK to chose one, or the other option or both:
- A 300SL Gullwing or a 300SL Roadster? Both
- A day with Uhlenhaut or Fangio? Difficult- but Uhlenhaut!
- A Ferrari or Maserati? Maserati!
- The Mille Miglia or the Carrera Panamericana? The Panamericana.
When you first enter HK Engineering you are unsure if your even in the right place. Looks more like a monastery or farm than classic car dealer
When you see a 300SL Roadster being serviced and- you know your in the right place!
Out in front of the main offices, a stunning 300SL Roadster in Midlight blue.
It is without a doubt: One of the most beautiful colors we have ever seen on a 300SL period!
Finally a sign- and we know we in the right place: HK Engineering ‘your partner for 300SL Mercedes’.
The first impression and room: The front desk with wonderful Agnes hard at work
Turn towards the right: A room full of 300SL lined up. Some of the cars you see here are for sale.
Towards the end of the hall we see a specialist doing interiors for the 300SL. HK just recently hired the man and does all leather interior in-house now.
The result: A freshly restored 300SL Roadster with beautiful red interior.
The outside color of the car looks nice as well.
Next: We step outside of the main entrance and walk over towards the specialist -workshop of various types of 300SL (Roadster and Gullwing).
Whereever you look: only 300SL Mercedes as if they built a million. The difference is they only built under 3100 (together) and most are worth more than $1m.
Now for something really special: In the background we noticed someone working on something very rare. Any guesses?
Another hint: The color is even throughout the car. Yes its an alloy Gullwing, one of only 29 pieces made (Nr 19). Value? Around $5m today.
In another hall when you turn left and again left- you enter a big room: With 300SL Mercedes. Most are owned by clients, either the cars are being stored or serviced. At any given time there are perhaps 30-40 Gullwing and Roadster.
Goodbye HK Engineering. Thank you for allowing us to visit!
