To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 17 - 18
January 2019.
Estimate:
$1,100,000 - $1,250,000
- Finished in its stunning original colors of Graphite Grey over
red leather
- Retains its original matching-numbers engine
- Restored by CB Restorations in 2009
- Sparingly driven since, though properly maintained and
exercised
- Includes tool set and spare tire
The introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was a hugely important
moment for Mercedes-Benz and served to further cement the company's
position as the market leader in race-bred, performance
automobiles. Massively ahead of its time, the 300 SL utilized an
innovative space-frame chassis coupled with a highly advanced,
fuel-injected engine, the first of its kind fitted to a production
car. It was crowned the fastest performance car in the world upon
its introduction and could handedly outrun any other car on sale at
the time.
The car was conceived by American Mercedes-Benz importer Max
Hoffman, who believed that a road-legal version of Mercedes-Benz's
successful W194 racer would be profitable and that the unique style
and performance of such a car would resonate well with his American
clients. Mercedes-Benz took Hoffman up on his idea, and so it was
only natural that the new 300 SL would premiere at the New York
Auto Show in 1954. The 300 SL coupe quickly earned the nickname
"Gullwing" for its distinctive roof-hinged doors, and the public
fell in love with the car, not only for its breathtaking design,
but also for its earth-shattering performance.
Looking to expand upon his success with the Gullwing coupe, Hoffman
thought that a convertible version of the 300 SL would also sell
quite well, and the 300 SL Roadster was introduced in 1957. Of
course, as the 300 SL would lose its top, engineers had to
reinforce and modify the space-frame chassis to fit conventionally
hinged doors. Through lowering the height of the chassis, this
simultaneously allowed for greater ease of entry. Cosmetic changes
were minor and included a smaller grille opening and dual chrome
strips along the side sills, giving the car a more streamlined and
glamorous look. At the rear, the spare tire was repositioned below
the trunk floor, necessitating a smaller fuel tank but also
maintaining reasonable luggage space. These revisions to the
roadster added some 250 lbs. to the total weight of the car, mostly
due to the convertible top.
Looking to keep the speed and performance of the closed 300 SL for
the new roadster despite its gain in weight, Mercedes-Benz fitted
the more sporting NSL engine of the coupe to all roadsters as
standard equipment. This made the roadster capable of top speeds
that ranged from 133 to 155 mph, depending on the final drive ratio
specified. However, the stunning performance and design of the 300
SL Roadster did not come cheap, at a list price of $11,000; but it
was worth every penny. Ownership of a 300 SL implied an exquisite
taste in engineering and aesthetics, and it was the ultimate
automotive statement. Naturally, many found homes in the garages of
celebrities, racing drivers, and other successful individuals with
an appreciation for fine automobiles.
This beautiful roadster was originally finished in very desirable
Graphite Grey over a red leather interior, the same combination it
sports today. The Gull Wing Group's Roadster Register notes the
first owner as Donald J.G. Leek of Hammonton, North Dakota. In
1974, the 300 SL passed to Arthur S. Kleimer of Edison, New Jersey,
at which point the roadster is noted as having been repainted blue.
Kleimer retained the roadster for over two decades before selling
it to Russell Moran in Wheatridge, Colorado, in 1998. Moran then
sold the car shortly thereafter to John P. Herrlin in Mendham. At
this time the car was noted as having been refinished in red.
Herrlin maintained the 300 SL for approximately 10 years before it
was acquired by CB Restorations, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, on
behalf of the current owner. CB Restorations proceeded to
completely restore the car, including refinishing the SL in its
original and arresting color combination of Graphite Grey and red
leather interior.
Since completion, the roadster has been sparingly used though
routinely and properly maintained while stored in their private
collection. The owner notes that they have driven their roadster
for approximately 1,000 miles since acquiring it in 2009. However,
it has always been maintained in a climate-controlled facility and
properly serviced and exercised as needed. Included with the car is
a correct reproduction tool set and spare wheel and tire.
The 300 SL Roadster has become every bit as desirable as its famous
"Gullwing" sibling, and similarly to the Jaguar E-Type, no
enthusiast's stable is complete without one. This very early
example, long treasured by enthusiasts and maintained as an
excellent driver, would be an ideal acquisition for the lady or
gentleman who thrills in the sport of driving.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
