1957-Mercedes Benz-300SL Roadster

Description

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
s/n 7500257, engine no. 198.980.7500269
Anthracite Grey with Red Leather Interior

The 300SL was one of the most exotic cars available when it was new. Directly descended from racing cars, and chock full of innovative features, they were fast, beautiful, and expensive. Arguably the first ‘supercar’ ever (others claim that honor should be bestowed upon the Lamborghini Miura), the 300SL has been described as the McLaren F1 of its day. Thanks to Mercedes’ development work during World War II in aircraft engines, the300SL became the first production car to feature fuel injection (directly injected into the cylinders no less), and the light but strong spaceframe necessitated the now legendary and often copied upwards opening doors on the closed variant of the car. The result was a stunningly beautiful but also functional car that was, depending on gearing, the fastest production car in the world. Surrounded by separate frame carbureted contemporaries, the SL was truly a glimpse of the future and remains today a very special car indeed. Its appeal is timeless and consequently, 300SLs have remained ‘blue-chip’ collector cars that are always in demand and perhaps even culturally embedded as one of the most iconic and greatest cars of all time.

The roadster version was for many years overshadowed by the gullwing; however, as more savvy enthusiasts have become privy to the advantages of the roadster, their values are now catching up to those of the coupes. Indeed, the increased practicality of proper wind-up windows and doors, improved drivability from the revised rear suspension, and inimitable open air experience make the roadster a more enjoyable car to use than the gullwing.

Built during the first year of production of the roadster, this car is more widely event eligible due to the 1957 cutoff for some of the prestigious vintage car tours. This particular car is believed to be a 3-owner California car. Its current owner purchased it in Ventura, California three years ago, from an owner who kept the car for over 35 years. That owner purchased it in 1976 in Oxnard, California, per the bill of sale included with the car. Prior to the restoration, the car was a very sound and undisturbed example with no rust. The car was originally red with black interior, and the color was changed to DB172 Anthracite Grey with Red Roser leather interior. A set of Rudge knock-off wheels was also fitted. The restoration was thorough body-off affair, and included a bare metal respray, complete interior, chrome, top, chrome, and mechanical aspects including, engine, transmission, driveline, and suspension. The restoration was photo documented and shows the thoroughness and standards of the restoration. Upon its completion, the car was shown at Legends of the Autobahn in 2015, where it won second in class.

Cosmetically, the car is stunning. The body is straight with excellent fit and gaps. The paint was done to high standards and is essentially unmarked. The chrome is also excellent, as are the beautifully refinished Rudge wheels. The glass and lights are similarly nice, as is the convertible top. The car is equipped with Talbot mirror and wears its California black plate, indicating that it has been here since at least the 1960s.

The interior also presents in a manner consistent with a car recently restored to high standards. The correct Roser leather was used to renew all upholstery, including the seats, sills, door panels, and dashboard. The carpets are the correct square weave material and are like new, as is the dashboard, including trim, instruments, switches, controls, and steering wheel.

The engine compartment is also beautifully restored, and was done correctly rather than with the incorrect finishes that are often applied to the valve covers, airbox, radiator tank, and intake manifold. The black components have the correct semi-gloss finish and decals, and the intake manifold has its correct cast finish. The correct type windscreen washer fluid bag is also in place and the engine compartment is extremely crisp and well-detailed throughout. The trunk was also restored, with matching red square weave carpet.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored matching-numbers 300SL Roadster. A longtime California car still with black plates, it is desirably equipped with Rudge wheels and fitted luggage. Recently completed and having just been successfully shown, it is an excellent example for the buyer seeking a stunning and widely event-eligible of one of the most recognizable and significant cars ever made.