Scott Grundfor

Several years ago Claus Mees of Palo Alto paid $18,000 for a dismantled 1955 Mercedes Gullwing that he found in Oklahoma. The two-seat roadster, whose doors open up like a gull's wings, have become collectors' items due to their innovative styling and because only 1,400 were built between 1954 and 1957. But Mees' car was a bit short of being in pristine condition.

Several years ago Claus Mees of Palo Alto paid $18,000 for a dismantled 1955 Mercedes Gullwing that he found in Oklahoma. The two-seat roadster, whose doors open up like a gull's wings, have become collectors' items due to their innovative styling and because only 1,400 were built between 1954 and 1957. But Mees' car was a bit short of being in pristine condition.

Several years ago, Claus Mees of Palo Alto paid $18,000 for a dismantled 1955 Mercedes gullwing he found in Oklahoma. The two-seat roadster, whose doors open up like gulls' wings, have become collectors' items because of their innovative styling and because only 1,400 of the cars were built between 1954 and 1957. But Mees' car was a bit short of pristine condition.