$10 Million Barnfind: Jay Leno Reveals the Rarest Mercedes Gullwing Ever Discovered
Jay walks around the car, pointing out its unique features. The Alloy Gullwing was a special lightweight racing version, with an aluminum body, uprated engine, different suspension, and Rudge knock-off wheels. This particular car still wears the grime and dings of its storage years, including a forklift dent from Rudy himself. Underneath the silver paint, you can still spot traces of the original black paint, and the interior, though aged, is complete and in surprisingly good condition.
Jay shares stories about the car’s value over the years—how Rudy paid $30,000 for it in the 1970s, which was a fortune at the time, and how the car recently sold for nearly $10 million. He compares the Gullwing to other classics, calling it the first true supercar thanks to its mechanical fuel injection and advanced engineering for the era.
He also notes the oddities: Rudy sold off a few small parts over the years, but the car remains almost entirely complete. Jay appreciates the trend toward preservation rather than over-restoration, saying it’s important to see these cars as they really were, not just as polished showpieces.
The episode is a real treat for anyone who loves automotive history. Jay’s enthusiasm is obvious, and you get the sense that he’s genuinely excited to share this piece of Mercedes racing heritage before it moves on to its next chapter. This is the kind of story that reminds you there are still incredible finds waiting out there, tucked away in unexpected places, just waiting for the right person to appreciate them.
