Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
s/n 198.042 7500401, engine no. 198 980 7500407
Beigegrau 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 is a lovely matching-numbers 300SL roadster that was owned by the same Boeing electrical engineer in Seattle from 1958 until his death in December of 1999. It was then sold to a collector in the Seattle area, who had Rudi Koniczek perform over $150,000 of restorative work to bring the car to its current condition. The car is finished in its original color combination and retains its original interior. A certificate from Mercedes-Benz Classic confirms that the car is matching numbers and is finished in its original colors, as well as its original options, which include US equipment and Becker Mexico radio.

The car is complete with tools and books set (including instruction manual, three Becker booklets, and service booklet showing services in the late 1950s), Mercedes-Benz Classic certificate, and a copy of the original build sheet.

The car makes an excellent cosmetic impression, with a high quality paint job over straight body with excellent fit. The paint is essentially unmarked and the color is a fantastic period shade that is perfectly offset by the red interior. The chrome is very good to excellent throughout, with light pitting in places, but no other blemishes. The glass and lights are excellent aside from some delamination to the windscreen. The top is in excellent condition.

The interior is in wonderful original condition, and unlike many original interiors, this car retains its original carpets and rubber mats in addition to the leather trim. The leather has a lovely patina with some creasing and light discoloration, but no cracks, including the seats, sills, door panels, center console, and dashboard. The carpets show some fading but are in good physical shape, and there is some wear to the rubber mats. The dashboard, instruments, and switches are in excellent original condition, as is the chrome trim.

The engine compartment was comprehensively restored to excellent standards, and its presentation is consistent with that of a car that would be successfully shown. The level of detail and cleanliness is impressive, with correctly finished semi-gloss black components, which are not too shiny, extremely clean intake manifold, and restored firewall and inner fenders. The correct decals are in place, as is the VDO windscreen washer bag fluid. The trunk is in very nice original shape and has fitted luggage in place. To jack bag with jack and tool roll with tools are both present.

The car is a pleasure to drive. Once warm, it runs beautifully, with properly set up injection and fantastic engine sound. The clutch grabs positively and is easy to modulate, and the gearbox is easy to use, one of the distinguishing characteristics of the 300SL that makes it a pleasure to drive. The steering and suspension are tight, and the steering weights up in a linear fashion to communicate to the driver what the chassis and suspension are doing. The brakes are effective and the entire driving experience has a special feel that makes every drive feel like an occasion.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a lovely matching-numbers 300SL roadster. Finished in its striking original color combination, this car has an honesty to it that is difficult to find, particularly as these cars get older and more of them are comprehensively restored. This one retains its lovely original interior, and belonged to the same owner for over forty years. It is also extremely complete, with books, tools, jack, and fitted luggage, a collection of items that is difficult and costly to replace, and in the case of the service book, impossible to replace. It runs and drives well and is an ideal event car thanks to its performance and event eligibility.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608