1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis no. 198.042.7500085 Engine no. 198.980.10003078*...
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Chassis no. 198.042.7500085
Engine no. 198.980.10003078* (see text)
2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
235bhp at 6,100rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Swing Axle, Coil Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Delivered new in European specification
* Originally featured a rare and distinctive Green exterior with a Yellow leather interior, now resplendent in a stylish Ivory paint job coupled with a dark red leather interior
* Offered today with the benefit of an older restoration
* Accompanied by the Mercedes-Benz Data Card
* Delivered on May 31, 1957, from Stuttgart, assuring broad event eligibility
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL ROADSTER
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.
Hoffman again put himself at the apex of the project, analyzing feedback from American buyers and relaying it to the top brass in Germany. His instincts had proven consistently accurate, and the factory readily entertained Hoffman's ideas. Max suggested that a convertible would rejuvenate sales and allow engineers to address some of the coupe's shortcomings. The resulting 300SL Roadster was much more than a Gullwing with the roof lopped off; it was thoroughly re-engineered and redesigned. The roadster utilized a lower pivot point of the swing axle, which calmed the coupe's penchant for high-speed snap oversteer. While the space frame chassis remained, it was modified to accommodate traditional doors that made ingress much more civilized, particularly for be skirted occupants.
The production run of 1,858 300SL Roadsters through 1963 again demonstrated Max Hoffman's market prowess. While slightly heavier and softer than its coupe counterpart, the 300SL Roadster has emerged as the driver's choice thanks to finely honed dynamics, and it is little wonder why roadster values have caught up to the Gullwing in recent years.
THE CAR OFFERED
This Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is a well-presented example of one of the most iconic sports cars of its era. Currently finished in Ivory with a dark red leather interior, it offers a very attractive and classic color combination that suits the model particularly well.
From new, the car was delivered in a rare and unusual specification, originally trimmed in ultra-rare green (DB292 grüen mel) with yellow (1065 gelb) leather upholstery, a special-order combination seldom seen on 300 SL Roadsters and one that highlights the individuality of this example.
Accompanied by its Daimler-Benz delivery documentation and invoice, the car was delivered new as an EU-specification example from Stuttgart on May 31, 1957. The early history of this example is not well documented, but it has spent its more recent years in Japan before coming to the United States.
The car is presented today following an older restoration, with no detailed records regarding when or by whom the work was carried out. Nevertheless, it remains in very good overall condition, showing only limited signs of use. The paintwork, brightwork, wheels, and interior are all well maintained and present consistently.
Although fitted with replacement period correct engine, this 300 SL Roadster remains a highly appealing car for collectors and enthusiasts alike, combining strong visual presence, usability, and broad event eligibility. As an exceptionally early production example, the 85th Roadster built, represents a very good opportunity to acquire a road-ready 300 SL suitable for enjoyment and participation in historic motoring events including the Colorado Grand, California Mille, and Mille Miglia.
Please note that online bidding will not be available for Premium Lots, indicated with a "P" next to the lot number. If you wish to bid, Bonhams may require additional information prior to confirming your registration such as a bank reference, a deposit and/or additional compliance information. Please contact the specialist department at uscars@bonhamscars.com, or our Client Service Office by emailing bids.us@bonhams.com to discuss at least one business day in advance of the auction date.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Chassis no. 198.042.7500085
Engine no. 198.980.10003078* (see text)
2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
235bhp at 6,100rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Swing Axle, Coil Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* Delivered new in European specification
* Originally featured a rare and distinctive Green exterior with a Yellow leather interior, now resplendent in a stylish Ivory paint job coupled with a dark red leather interior
* Offered today with the benefit of an older restoration
* Accompanied by the Mercedes-Benz Data Card
* Delivered on May 31, 1957, from Stuttgart, assuring broad event eligibility
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL ROADSTER
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.
Hoffman again put himself at the apex of the project, analyzing feedback from American buyers and relaying it to the top brass in Germany. His instincts had proven consistently accurate, and the factory readily entertained Hoffman's ideas. Max suggested that a convertible would rejuvenate sales and allow engineers to address some of the coupe's shortcomings. The resulting 300SL Roadster was much more than a Gullwing with the roof lopped off; it was thoroughly re-engineered and redesigned. The roadster utilized a lower pivot point of the swing axle, which calmed the coupe's penchant for high-speed snap oversteer. While the space frame chassis remained, it was modified to accommodate traditional doors that made ingress much more civilized, particularly for be skirted occupants.
The production run of 1,858 300SL Roadsters through 1963 again demonstrated Max Hoffman's market prowess. While slightly heavier and softer than its coupe counterpart, the 300SL Roadster has emerged as the driver's choice thanks to finely honed dynamics, and it is little wonder why roadster values have caught up to the Gullwing in recent years.
THE CAR OFFERED
This Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is a well-presented example of one of the most iconic sports cars of its era. Currently finished in Ivory with a dark red leather interior, it offers a very attractive and classic color combination that suits the model particularly well.
From new, the car was delivered in a rare and unusual specification, originally trimmed in ultra-rare green (DB292 grüen mel) with yellow (1065 gelb) leather upholstery, a special-order combination seldom seen on 300 SL Roadsters and one that highlights the individuality of this example.
Accompanied by its Daimler-Benz delivery documentation and invoice, the car was delivered new as an EU-specification example from Stuttgart on May 31, 1957. The early history of this example is not well documented, but it has spent its more recent years in Japan before coming to the United States.
The car is presented today following an older restoration, with no detailed records regarding when or by whom the work was carried out. Nevertheless, it remains in very good overall condition, showing only limited signs of use. The paintwork, brightwork, wheels, and interior are all well maintained and present consistently.
Although fitted with replacement period correct engine, this 300 SL Roadster remains a highly appealing car for collectors and enthusiasts alike, combining strong visual presence, usability, and broad event eligibility. As an exceptionally early production example, the 85th Roadster built, represents a very good opportunity to acquire a road-ready 300 SL suitable for enjoyment and participation in historic motoring events including the Colorado Grand, California Mille, and Mille Miglia.
Please note that online bidding will not be available for Premium Lots, indicated with a "P" next to the lot number. If you wish to bid, Bonhams may require additional information prior to confirming your registration such as a bank reference, a deposit and/or additional compliance information. Please contact the specialist department at uscars@bonhamscars.com, or our Client Service Office by emailing bids.us@bonhams.com to discuss at least one business day in advance of the auction date.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
