Chassis No. 198.042.10.002989
Engine No. 198.980.10.003048
Body No. A198.042.10.00251
Car enthusiasts are nothing if not a passionate group, and many a
fervent bar-side debate has conspired about what makes a car count
among the greatest of all time. Of course, there's no simple
answer, but any debate must surely include the legendary
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. In its production form, the 300 SL was the
brainchild of the seemingly clairvoyant Max Hoffman, the official
importer of Mercedes-Benz automobiles to the United States-and the
man responsible for bringing the Volkswagen Beetle to the U.S. and
inspiring the creation of cars like the Porsche 356 Speedster and
BMW 507. Hoffman felt Mercedes-Benz could use a halo model to boost
its post-war image. For his basis, Hoffman looked to the W194; a
brilliant, streamlined endurance racing car powered by a heavily
modified version of the 300 Adenauer's 3.0-liter inline-six.
The ever-compelling Hoffman successfully lobbied the board of
directors in Stuttgart to develop the W194 into a world-class GT
production car. Under the guidance of Mercedes' brilliant lead
engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, it became the 300 Sports Leicht -
internally the W198 - staying remarkably faithful to the race car's
design. The signature "Gullwing" doors of the coupe were a result
of the car's tubular spaceframe chassis. Proving Mercedes was one
of the leading automotive engineering forces, this engine features
revolutionary Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection. Despite a
hefty price tag of $11,000 in 1955, Mercedes-Benz sold an
impressive 1,400 units of the exotic 300 SL Gullwing.
Hoffman remained heavily involved throughout the 300 SL's
production run, analyzing feedback from his clients and relaying it
to the top brass in Germany. His instincts had proven reliable, and
the factory remained receptive to Hoffman's ideas. Hoffman reckoned
a convertible would boost sales whilst allowing engineers to
address some of the coupe's shortcomings. Along with revised
styling, the roadster got a redesigned rear swing axle with a lower
pivot point to tame the coupe's penchant for high-speed snap
oversteer. All roadsters were also equipped with the previously
optional "NSL" camshaft, which offered 20 more horsepower and more
than counteracted the roadster's increased weight. The space frame
chassis was lightly modified to accommodate traditional doors,
making ingress/egress much more civilized. Even with the optional
hardtop in place, the roadster's roll-up side windows made for
vastly improved ventilation and long-distance comfort. Near the end
of production, the 300 SL was further updated with four-wheel disc
brakes by 1961. A total of 1,858 Roadsters were produced from 1957
through 1963 and undoubtedly enjoy enviable status as a keystone of
the collector car market.
Chassis number 002989 is a late production car featuring highly
desirable disc brakes that has been in the care of notable
enthusiasts for the past 30-plus years. This is a U.S.-market car,
which, according to the accompanying Mercedes-Benz Data Card, left
the Sindelfingen factory finished in the stunning color scheme of
Graphite Grey (DB190) over Medium Red leather upholstery (203),
which is how it is presented today. Despite being one of the ten
standard colors, Graphite Grey was applied to just 124 cars when
new, or 6.6-percent of total Roadster production according to 300
SL historian Chris Kramer.
In the late 1980s, 002989 was in the care of the late Mr. Willem
van Huystee of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A modern renaissance man of
sorts, van Huystee was an avid car collector, he spoke several
languages and his profession as an international tobacco trader
afforded him the opportunity to travel the world. In his free time,
Willem relished the challenge of restoring fine automobiles and had
a particular love for European sports cars. He also thoroughly
enjoyed driving his cars, competing in the Mille Miglia on ten
separate occasions.
Willem van Huystee restored several significant cars in his home
workshop, including this 300 SL Roadster. Photos on file before the
restoration reveal this was an honest driver-quality car when
Willem acquired it, and letters from him to the last owner state
that he initially intended to freshen it up for driving, a project
which he began in 1991. But as often happens with car enthusiasts,
the project scope grew as he simply wasn't satisfied with a partial
job. Before long, the body was removed from the chassis, and van
Huystee embarked on a comprehensive, highly detailed restoration.
Some expert assistance was utilized along the way, notably that of
Paul Russell & Company, who rebuilt the engine, transmission,
kingpin, front suspension, and brakes.
Through contacts with the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Archive (in the
days before the MB Classic Center), Mr. van Huystee confirmed the
002989's original livery and specifications, and restored it
accordingly. Small liberties were taken, including a conversion to
the more attractive and effective European headlamps, and removal
of the U.S.-market rear reflectors, as he felt the changes best
suited the SL's original design.
In 1998, van Huystee sold his restored SL Roadster to another
experienced collector based in Vero Beach, Florida. As part of his
acquisition, it was inspected by Paul Russell & Company, who
returned a clean bill of health, noting only minor imperfections.
The caretaker continued to enjoy the car sparingly while also
tending to its needs. The invoices on file show that in 2006, Paul
Russell and Company performed extensive servicing and fine
tuning.
More recently, in September of 2025, this 300 SL was entrusted to
the care of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA for service and
light recommissioning in preparation for sale. The restoration by
Mr. van Huystee has aged remarkably well, reflecting not only the
care he put into the project, but the care it has received by its
subsequent care takers.
It remains a splendid example, displaying a lightly mellowed
character as the restoration aged. The roadster's timeless lines
look particularly fetching in this shade of Graphite Grey, accented
by excellent chrome trim, a black canvas soft top and that lush red
leather interior. The cabin is similarly patinated, with the
authentic character earned through years of gentle use.
Instruments, switchgear, and controls are proper items, and this
car is equipped with a period-correct Becker radio. Under the
bonnet, the original, numbers-matching 3.0-liter inline-six is well
detailed with authentic decals, labels, and finishes yet it shows
just enough character to be usable for rallies and events.
Accompanying items include restoration photos, Becker radio manual,
service receipts, and correspondence.
There is a multitude of reasons why the 300 SL is a foundational
collector car-with style, versatility, and effortless performance
rising to the top of the list. With its desirable Rest of World
headlamps, disc brakes, a numbers-matching engine, and an
exceptional original livery, this lovingly restored and cherished
300 SL Roadster ticks all the boxes for the active collector.
Suited to casual concours display or driving joy on events like the
Colorado Grand or Copperstate 1000, it is the ideal cornerstone for
any serious automotive collection.
Vehicle Details
1962 Mercedes-Benz 300
Listing ID:CC-2008521
Price:Auction Vehicle
Location:Las Vegas, Nevada
Year:1962
Make:Mercedes-Benz
Model:300
Odometer:66444
Stock Number:LV25Lot_128
VIN:198.042.10.002989
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