A mechanic wrecked a classic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupé during a test drive in Germany, Der Spiegel reports.
The elite sports car, one of only 1400, was "completely destroyed" with estimated damages of more than $830,000.
The 26-year-old and his 19-year-old apprentice from Mechatronics — a high-profile Mercedes workshop — were unharmed after their joyride north of Stuttgart went sour.
Police said the speed limit of about 55 mph "was not observed, obviously," and the two seat car with 4-speed manual transmission went off the side of the road and rolled over.
The 300 SL was unveiled in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York and was voted “Sports car of the Century†in 1999. The distinctive gull wing version was only available from March 1955 to 1957.
The car is best known for being the first to inject fuel directly into the cylinders, making it the world's fastest production car of its time.
Der Spiegel notes that the owner of the 300 SL remained calm when informed. Both the car and the garage are insured against such cases, and GTspirit notes that the vehicle has a chance to be restored.
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