Vehicle Description
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. No mechanical system on the car
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, 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 to detail 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.
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.
