For Sale at Auction: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 in Las Vegas, Nevada

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 Rudolph 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,
offering 20 more horsepower to more than counteracted the Roadsters 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% 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,
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, Mr. John J. Schumann, Jr. of 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. Mr. Schumann 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 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 th...for more information please contact the seller.