For Sale at Auction: 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 198.042.7500664
Engine No. 198.980.7500680
Body No. A198.042.7500591

As noted in a copy of its original Data Card, this sporting 300 SL Roadster was specified new in Light Green Metallic (DB 274) over a Cream leather (1060) interior. As researched by noted 300 SL authority Chris Kramer, this Roadster is one of just 15 examples finished in this eye-catching green hue, and represents just 0.8% of the 1,848 Roadsters produced. Its Data Card shows that the car was ordered new in Paris, France, with U.S.-market equipment and was additionally specified with a complementary Green convertible top and the optional Becker Mexico radio. Its Liefertag delivery day is recorded as taking place on 21 May 1958, just in time for the arrival of the warm summer months to fully savor the youthful zest of top-down motoring.

It is possible that this Roadster was ordered new by a member of the United States European Command with the intention of bringing this special Roadster with them when their tour of duty was over. The car, however, remained in Europe, where it was acquired by none other than Lloyd Perry "Lucky" Casner. The well-known Casner was an American airline pilot, amateur racing driver, and founder of Casner Motor Racing Division, better known as Camoradi U.S.A., one of the most ambitious American privateer efforts in international motorsport history.

Based in Miami, Casner progressed from club racing in Alfa Romeos, Ferraris, and Maseratis into team ownership in the late 1950s. With strong promotional instincts and a talent for securing sponsorship, he built a multinational endurance program backed by partners including Goodyear and Shell, and supported technically by General Motors and Zora Arkus-Duntov despite prevailing U.S. factory racing restrictions.

Camoradi quickly rose to international prominence under his direction, fielding Maserati Birdcage prototypes and Chevrolet Corvettes for an elite driver roster including Stirling Moss, Dan Gurney, Carroll Shelby, Masten Gregory, and Jim Rathmann. Highlights included victory at the 1960 N�rburgring 1000 Kms and a 2nd in class finish at Le Mans with a Corvette, establishing the team as a credible challenger to Europe's factory entries. Casner himself remained the guiding force behind operations, prioritizing innovation, speed, and aggressive international competition until his untimely death in 1965 during testing of a Maserati prototype ahead of Le Mans.

In 1966, one year after Casner's passing, this very 300 SL Roadster was acquired from his estate in the Bogenhausen district of Munich, Germany, by Colonel Gerald E. Sack, linking the car directly to one of the most significant figures in American postwar motorsport.

Sack served 38 years in the United States Army, ultimately attaining the rank of Colonel. He earned a master's degree in microbiology from the University of Toledo and contributed to medical research within the Army, including work on treatments for ocular tuberculosis and advisory duties to the Surgeon General's office. Alongside his military career, he operated Edgerton Pharmacy and Sack Hardware, later continuing public service as a United States Postal Service carrier until his retirement in 1997. His life reflected a sustained commitment to service across military, scientific, commercial, and civic spheres, distinguished by quiet leadership, technical expertise, and a perpetual dedication to his community and country.

The Roadster remained in the Sack family for decades, passing in May 2003 to his son, James E. Sack. Together, the father and son had disassembled the car with the anticipation of completing a full restoration. As with many large, complex projects like restoring a 300 SL Roadster, the project had stalled when acclaimed 300 SL restorer Rudi Koniczek acquired the car in 2007. Surely this was a difficult decision for the Sack family, who had cared for the car for the past 41 years!

Once at Koniczek's shop, the work began to restore the rare Roadster into its award-winning presentation. The bodywork was removed from the frame to expertly restore them both back to their original factory specifications. Refinished as originally specified in Light Green Metallic, the interior was retrimmed with fresh Green leather along with a matching Green folding convertible top.

Truly showcasing the attention to detail, photos from the extraordinary restoration show the car in numerous stages including the bumper, still in copper, properly fitted to the car before final chrome plating. The car's mechanical systems received the same level of care and attention, including the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical systems. Nothing was overlooked, including the installation of a Becker Mexico radio and the highly sought-after color-matched Rudge-style knock-off wheels.

It was partway through this detailed restoration that the car was discovered by the Feldhorns. Searching for the perfect 300 SL Roadster to add to their impressive collection, it was only a matter of time before their high standards would lead them to meet Koniczek. Touring his facility in British Columbia, Canada, this Roadster was partially through its four-year restoration when it was acquired by the Feldhorns in July 2010.

Following the completion of the restoration, the car was successfully shown at numerous highly competitive concours on the West Coast. This began with the first in class at the 2011 The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering. In February 2012, it was again first in class at the Desert Classic Concours d'Elegance at the Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage, California, along with the Gull Wing Group 44th Annual Convention at La Quinta, California, where it won first place in the Show Car category for the Roadsters. In May 2013, another first in class award was secured at the Greystone Mansion Concours d'Elegance in Beverly Hills, California. Yet again in 2015, the car was first in class at the San Marino Motor Classic. At the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance, the Roadster was not only first in class, but it received the Most Outstanding Post-War award. Additionally, the car was shown at The Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court in 2017 and completed the 300 SL Classic 1,000-mile rally in 2021 and 2022.

Countless books have been written extolling the virtues of why the 300 SL Coupe and Roadster have long been considered a "blue-chip" collector car. Such finely presented and striking examples like this Roadster don't need any further explanation. It effortlessly combines its unmatched engineering with iconic styling and ease of use to make it a true do-it-all collector car. With the added appeal of this exceedingly rare original as-delivered factory color, matching numbers status, and connection to the legendary "Lucky" Casner, on top of its award-winning Koniczek restoration, it is a truly unrivaled opportunity to acquire a shining example of this era-defining sports car.