A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL with ‘Gullwing’ Coupé bodywork in aluminium, one of only 29 such alloy-bodied versions of the fixed head model and so extremely rare, flew to a $4,620,000 (£2,688,000) result when crossing the Gooding auction block in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This represents a new world record price paid both for a 300SL and for an alloy Gullwing and made the Mercedes the most valuable collector vehicle to change hands during 2012 Arizona Auction Week when a record six auctions were held.