To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Paris event, 6 February
2019.
Estimate:
€800.000 - €1.000.000
- Just three owners, including single ownership for 44 years
- Retains its original engine, gearbox and differential
- Restored in its original colours
- Offered with original service book, instruction manuals and
spare parts book
Following the incredible success of the 300 SL Gullwing,
Mercedes-Benz was eager to add a convertible version to its
line-up. A prototype of this new model was spotted in the summer of
1956, whilst the production model would debut at the 1957 Geneva
Motor Show. By the end of that year, the final 70 of the 1,400
coup�s and the first 618 of the 300 SL Roadsters were
assembled.
Along with a convertible top, the 300 SL brought a host of
advancements to its predecessor. The central section of the
Gullwing's space-frame chassis was lowered, the sills were smaller,
and the doors were enlarged to allow improved entrance and egress.
Strength was maintained, with the addition of diagonal struts,
which braced the lowered side sections to the rear tubular members.
Revised suspension allowed for a more comfortable ride and improved
handling. At the rear, the spare tyre was repositioned below the
boot floor, necessitating a smaller fuel tank but also maintaining
reasonable luggage space. Whilst these revisions added some 113 kg,
with the majority of the weight being associated with the
convertible top and its mechanisms, the car remained an excellent
performer, with a claimed 137-mph top speed.
Just like the coup�, the Roadster proved to be the vehicle of
choice for those with exceptional taste. Many featured in the
garages of celebrities, racing drivers and other successful
individuals. With a list price of $11,000, ownership of a 300 SL
Roadster was a dream to most, but to those with the funds to spare,
the car was worth every penny. For those looking to make a
statement with the purchase of a new car, there was no better
option available in 1957.
This magnificent 300 SL Roadster was delivered to its first owner
in the U.S. during 1957 with a range of options, including the fire
engine red exterior (534), light grey interior (955), drivers' side
mirror, fog lights, safety belts on both seats and a Becker Mexico
radio. The first owner would retain the car until 1960. While the
first few years of this car's life are not well known, it is
understood that the car resided in Hollywood and had covered just a
few thousand kilometres by 1960, when it was acquired from a dealer
by its second owner. Between 1960 and 1974, this second owner was
unafraid to use his 300 SL as intended, adding around 100,000 km
before it was consigned to a warm and dry garage - a place it would
remain for the next 30 years.
In 2004, this 300 SL Roadster was acquired by the consignor (just
its third owner) and was immediately serviced, with brakes, tyres
and other consumables replaced as necessary, prior to its
importation to Finland. The consignor exercised his 300 SL Roadster
prior to its transportation to Germany, where it would be fully
restored, retaining and repairing original components where
possible and replacing where necessary. In total, around 3,800
hours of work was undertaken, over a period of one and a half
years. The restoration included the addition of
European-specification headlights. During November 2017, this 300
SL Roadster was sent for a full evaluation by Classic Data, with a
detailed report on file, highlighting its exceptional condition and
the originality of many of the components. In addition to this
report, original service books and instruction manuals accompany
the vehicle.
When it comes to 300 SL Roadsters, there are beautifully restored
examples, and there are cars that are well sorted for fast driving.
Offered here is the best of both worlds.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa19.
