Vehicle Description
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster This primed-for-driving 300SL
presents as delivered in the stark, yet beautifully reserved
original color combination of 050 white over 955 black. As an
unusually sincere matching numbers W198 Roadster retaining its
original German Roser leather interior in stunning condition, this
car performs superbly on the road, comes with its factory hard top
and has been lovingly cared for since new. Ready for daily driving
or long distance touring. This beautiful 300SL Roadster left the
Mercedes-Benz factory on June 3rd, 1958 and was finished as
presented today in the combination of DB050 white over code 955
black Roser leather upholstery. Equipped with the optional hard top
in body color, this W198 roadster was special ordered with a rarely
seen interior door panel pocket arrangement in place of the
standard armrest configuration, giving the car added interior space
and storage. This lovely late 50s US delivery Mercedes-Benz
convertible offers an impressive amount of originality in the
German Roser leather it retains in the interior, a fitting
complement to its impressive road going capabilities. According to
the Gullwing Groups 300SL historical roadster registry, chassis
8500232 was originally delivered to Robert Schultz of New
Hampshire. The car would migrate to Massachusetts by 1971 and was
retained by two owners in the state, William Swope of Billerica and
Lurz N. Wallem of Topsfield. By 1976, this 300SL Roadster was in
the ownership of William Clapp of Seattle, Washington. In 1981, the
car came into the possession of Alfred W. Finch, a private
enthusiast from Mercer Island, Washington. Finch would steward this
authentic and well cared for German classic for nearly 40 years. As
is clear when viewing the car today, particularly regarding the
stunningly well cared for original black leather in the interior,
the ownership tenures from new through today have been marked by an
unusual and admirable level of attention and care. Over the last
decade, the loving treatment of this charming 300SL has continued
following a move to Arizona. Since the move, the car has been
maintained by Robert Webster of Werkstatt LLC of Cave Creek, a
highly respected German mechanic well known to Scott Grundfor
Company and many of our clients as a steadfast supplier of top
notch mechanical care for 300SLs in the Southwest United States.
Webster has commented that chassis 8500232 is an exceptional
driving example, perhaps the best he has ever driven, a driving
experience he describes as feeling particularly smooth and solid on
the road. Recently, Scott Grundfor Company has performed a full
engine service, cleaning and detail, ensuring an enviable prowess
in performance on the road. Also, a period correct 1950s Blaupunkt
radio has been installed to round out a beautiful interior
presentation. This road going performer of a 300SL Roadster has
been repainted in the as delivered color of DB050 white. The paint
remains vibrant and has a tell-tale appearance of well prepared
body surfaces. It displays mild, though fitting patina throughout
which matches the superb original, unique qualities of the
interior. The original German Roser leather of the seats and door
sills remain in beautiful condition speaking to the careful
consideration the car has enjoyed over the years, with the dash
leather, gauges and dash paint telling a similar story. The beauty
of the original black Roser leather hides and the prospect of many
years of use to come is a remarkable find in a 300SL or any model
of this era. The fits and gapping on the doors, hood and trunk are
very even throughout, with the body structure and original
integrity most apparently seen in the subtle ease of how the doors
effortlessly open and close. All consistent with a car that has
seen very few difficulties since new. As testament to a long and
disguised regimen of care, this 300SL retains its ever-important
original numbers matching engine as well as all original riveted
factory tags and factory stampings.Offered here is a genuinely well
kept and loved 300SL Roadster that is the product of a lifetime of
well enjoyed enthusiast care, noticeable on an initial glance and
after time spent behind the wheel. This car comes with its factory
hard top, original owners manual, 300 Roadster workshop manual and
copy of the original factory data card. This Mercedes is poised to
be enjoyed as its engineers originally intended, on the open roads
and with the true enthusiast behind the wheel, a future caretaker
to appreciate the subtle perfection of the 300SL open air
experience. Chassis no. 198.042.8500232Engine no. 198.980.8500236.
Matching numbers Original colors DB 050 white paint Original 955
black Roser leather interior Known ownership history from new
Retains factory hardtop Black canvas soft top Blaupunkt radio
Owners manual and books Spare wheel and tire Original Jack Copy of
factory data card 77,811 miles Price: $1,095,000
