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.
