For Sale at Auction: 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 in Monterey, California

Chassis No. 198.042.10.002439
Engine No. 198.980.10.002477
Body No. A198.042.10.00161

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was born from a legacy of post-World War II innovation and motorsport success. Its origins lie in the W194 300 SL race car, which garnered international acclaim with victories at prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana. These triumphs laid the groundwork for the 1954 debut of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing Coupe-a project championed by Max Hoffman, the influential American importer who saw the potential for a high-performance Mercedes in the U.S. market. The Gullwing's instant popularity inspired Hoffman to push for a convertible version aimed at sun-drenched regions like California. But transforming the closed Coupe into a Roadster required more than removing the roof. Engineers had to redesign the intricate space frame to accommodate conventional side-hinged doors, replacing the Gullwing's signature roof-hinged design.

The 300 SL Roadster introduced key refinements over its predecessor. A new low-pivot swing axle rear suspension dramatically improved handling by reducing snap oversteer, while softer springs enhanced ride comfort. These updates made the car more accessible to everyday drivers without compromising performance. Powering the Roadster was the same 3.0-liter straight-six, now with direct fuel injection-the first in a production car. Collaboratively developed with Bosch, the system offered consistent power delivery and reduced the need for frequent tuning. To offset the Roadster's added weight, sport camshafts increased output to 240 horsepower at 5,800 rpm-20 more than the Coupe-securing its place as a technological and design milestone in postwar sports car history.

Destined for the U.S. market when new, this 300 SL was one of only nine Roadsters finished in Linden Green (DB218) from new, according to research by 300 SL expert Chris Kramer. The Gullwing Group Registry records the car's first owner as John DiGiorgio, of Sausalito, California, and later Patrick Smiekel, of Santa Ana, California. Smiekel kept the car until 1990, when it left California with James Clifford Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia. After arriving in Atlanta, the car, now finished in red, caught the attention of Wiley Perry Ballard Jr. As a flight officer and Glider pilot with the Army Air Corps during World War II, Ballard became fascinated by German engineering and couldn't resist acquiring the Roadster for himself and his wife. After several years of enjoyment together, his wife, Anne, passed in 1998. With her passing, it was decided that it was the ideal time to restore their beloved Roadster as a tribute to her. After a painstaking search for the correct restorer, the car was sent to Mark Allin at Precision Automotive Restorations of Newburyport, Massachusetts for a full and comprehensive restoration. Precision Automotive would turn into what we know today as Rare Drive Inc in New Hampshire. Already intimately familiar with 300 SL restorations, Allin was the ideal choice, having worked as the shop foreman at Paul Russell & Company for several years.

As the first restoration project for Allin since starting his company, he wanted to use this car to demonstrate the full extent of his craftsmanship. It was expertly restored in Anthracite Grey Metallic (DB172), an optional shade, only applied to seven Roadsters when new. The interior was reupholstered with fresh Black leather and matching square weave carpeting as a complement to the exterior. Both inside and out, the chrome trim was refinished to the highest standards. The optional Sport wheels with polished centers and chrome rims are shod with Michelin X tires, completing their period-correct appearance. With the mechanical aspects of the car, no system was left untouched. The engine was rebuilt to its original specification while the transmission and rear axle were overhauled. New bushings were fit to the suspension, while the arms were expertly refinished to their original appearance. The brakes were completely restored with new wheel cylinders, hoses, hoses, and hardware. When completed, Allin and his team restored and renewed nearly every aspect of the car, resulting in one of the finest restored 300 SLs in existence.

After testing and tuning, the car debuted at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Scrutinizing the car inside and out reveals an impressive attention level of detailing with correct fasteners, clamps, and finishes seen throughout the car are what undoubtedly helped it capture a Best in Class trophy. Ballard retained the car for years after the momentous win. Later the car was sold to prominent Florida based collector Scott Lutgert before briefly passing to Steven Adler of New Vernon, New Jersey in 2009. From Adler, the Roadster entered the esteemed Andrews Collection in 2010. The car was offered for sale again in 2015 when it was purchased by the current owner in 2015.

As presented today, this magnificent 300 SL Roadster remains in remarkable condition despite being restored over two decades ago. This not only stands as a testament to the care that the car has received since its restoration, but also to the quality of work rendered by Mark Allin. Such enduring quality and presentation would make this stunning example a strong candidate for entry into the prestigious international concours events for which it qualifies. Given its rarity and condition, this 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is a truly enticing opportunity to acquire a shining example of this era-defining sports car.