1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (SOLD)

SOLD
The 300SL Roadster offered here is documented as being only the eighth such
Roadster ever built. As such, it bore many similarities to the 300 SL Gullwing.
According to research documentation provided by Mercedes-Benz Classic in
Stuttgart, the car was delivered to the U.S. sales distribution agency on July
31, 1957. At the time of delivery, it was finished in black with red leather and
white piping and featured English instrumentation, sealed-beam lights with a
separate parking light, as well as a two-piece trunk set. Additionally, it
featured an optional rear-axle ratio of 3.891 as opposed to the standard 3.641.
A barn find of sorts, the car was found rather recently in Ohio, unrestored and
unregistered for road use in over twenty years. Its current owner, only the
third in the Roadsters history, acquired it in November 2003 and commenced a
nearly two-year restoration, which was completed under noted expert Brian
Anderson of Classic European Restorations in Escondido, California. This
frame-off restoration was finished in the summer of 2005 and no expense was
spared in reviving or replacing every element of the car when necessary. HK
Engineering of Germany, a respected 300 SL supplier with over twenty years
experience, supplied various pieces such as the Rudge wheels, which, it should
be noted, were not originally supplied with this car. In addition to receiving
Best in Class honors in 2006 at both the Los Angeles and Palos Verdes Concours
dElegance, this spectacular Mercedes was awarded Best in Show at the Gullwing
National Convention in San Diego, a very praiseworthy accomplishment bestowed by
peers and experts of this marque and model. Since completion of the
aforementioned restoration, the car has never seen road use and has only been
driven to and from its trailer at show events. The quality and attention to
detail of the workmanship is readily apparent in the cars present concours-ready
condition. The metallic blue paint is spectacular and, along with the matching
Rudge wheels, blue convertible top, and brightwork, appears to be free of
imperfections and very well maintained. As for the interior, the Parchment
leather upholstery is outstanding as well – nicely fitted and in as-new
condition. The instrumentation, white steering wheel, grey carpeting, and Becker
radio all have a showroom quality appearance, indicative of the cars extremely
limited use. In the trunk, a proper two-piece luggage set matches the interior.
As would be expected, the engine bay and engine show no evidence of road use and
have been restored to as-new factory specifications. The frame itself was
powdercoated during restoration and is essentially spotless as well. Finally, in
addition to the matching trunks, an owners manual and complete set of tools will
accompany the car. In the 300 SL Roadster, the enthusiast finds all the pedigree
that re-established Mercedes-Benzs dominance over road racing alongside a sexy,
unmistakable body. Given the high desirability of the 300 SL Roadster on todays
market, an expertly restored example is all the more attractive. A 300 SL such
as this is equally deserving of careful preservation as it is of attendance at
the worlds finest concours events. It is, quite simply, one of the finest 300 SL
Roadsters extant.