Vehicle Description
Any discussion of the greatest automobiles of all time must
certainly include the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Initially conceived as a
purebred racing car, the 300SL "Gullwing" racked up victories
across Europe and the Americas and captured the attention of one
Max Hoffman, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz automobiles to
the USA.Faced with burgeoning demand from wealthy clients in the
critical US market, the ever-compelling Hoffman managed to persuade
the board of directors in Stuttgart to develop the 300SL for the
road. Quite remarkably, the road car remained faithful to the
original concept, retaining its complex tubular space frame chassis
designed by Rudolph Uhlenhaut, necessitating the signature
"gullwing" doors - and birthing an icon in the process. Despite its
eye-watering asking price of $11,000 in 1955, Mercedes-Benz shifted
1,400 Gullwing Coupes, making it a tremendous success. Clearly the
300 SL Coupe would be a hard act to follow yet the Roadster
version, introduced just three years later, succeeded in bettering
its closed cousin's already exemplary road manners. Built with
conventional doors, the 300 SL Roadster was first exhibited at the
Geneva Salon in May 1957 and was an immediate hit with the 1950s
'Jet Set' of royalty, actors, and socialites. The production of an
open 300 SL involved altering the cockpit area, where the
spaceframe was redesigned to permit lower sills for improved
access. At the same time the rear suspension was changed to
incorporate low-pivot swing axles. The Roadster's neutral steering
characteristics received fulsome praise from Road & Track in its
1958 road test: "With the low-pivot rear suspension and more
adhesive tyres, the car handles beautifully under all conditions.
This is a tremendous improvement over the gullwing models, which
had a tendency to oversteer rather violently if pressed too hard."
A 0-60mph time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 130mph were
recorded, making the 300 SL Roadster one of the fastest
convertibles of its time. R&T concluded: "There is no doubt
that the 300 SL roadster is a truly great dual-purpose sports car,
equally at home in traffic and the open road, or on the track",
words that remain equally true today.An early 1959 production
example, chassis number 198.042.9500032 left the factory finished
in Wei�grau (DB158) over red leather (1097), with a black soft top,
Michelin tires, and optional Becker radio. A sharp and distinctly
continental combination, surely satisfying its new American owner.
Its early history is not currently known, but by 1984, this
U.S.-spec SL had already spent fifteen years resting untouched in a
Florida barn.In that same year, marque specialist Steve Marx
rescued the car from its sedentary life. Marx, well known in West
Coast circles for racing his Gullwing, purchased this car and
restored it according to his personal philosophy of performance and
drivability. A full restoration began, including a period-style
performance build of the numbers matching M198 engine (no.
198.980.8500337) giving the car more punch that suited Marx's
future usage. According to recent correspondence with Marx, this
"hot-rodding" of the 300SL's heart involved trimming over seventy
pounds from the engine, including a lightened flywheel. Putting it
to good use, he raced it enthusiastically at venues such as the
Monterey Motorsports Reunion. He retained the car for over two
decades before selling it in 2006.Following Marx's long-term
ownership, the car passed through a couple more caring owners. Its
most recent custodian acquired it in 2016 and promptly entered it
in the 2017 California Mille-confirming both its reliability and
drivability.As it currently presents, this W198 is in wonderful
condition, having been enjoyed while simultaneously meticulously
cared for. Retaining its numbers matching motor, this example does
all the work setting itself apart from the rest. Now wearing fire
engine red paint, an understandably common color for Roadsters as
it helps accentuate the beauty of Uhlenhaut's design. The chrome
trim throughout presents as new and the black soft top is in
excellent condition, ensuring a good seal for the inevitable foul
weather encounter during a rally. Inside, black leather upholstery
is paired with a paint-matched dashboard, ivory steering wheel, and
factory Becker radio-all period-appropriate and full of character.
Switchgear and trim show light wear but function confidently, and
the German square weave carpeting ties it all together with
understated style.Under the front hinged bonnet lies the true heart
of the car, the numbers matching M198 motor. Of all the car's many
visual highlights, the engine bay stands out as particularly well
presented. It's clear this area has benefited from extra attention,
with crisp detailing and tidy finishes that reflect long-term care
and mechanical honesty, a strong visual reminder that this SL was
restored to be driven-but maintained with pride. Our recent road
tests confirm that the car still behaves exactly as Marx
intended-lively, eager, and just that bit sharper than most. Crisp
throttle response and a raspy intake note give this SL just the
right kind of attitude-it lures you into the upper revs, rewards a
heavy right foot, and comes alive where the torque really starts to
sing.Complete with its tool kit and a copy of its data card, this
Roadster's history with noted 300SL specialist Steve Marx speaks
volumes about the level of care it has received. Well-loved and
properly sorted, it's ready for its next custodian to enjoy-whether
on the rally route, a coastal drive, or anywhere the road leads.
Happy driving! Offers welcome and trades considered. For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
