Delivered new to Cannes, France
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
Chassis no. 1980427500152
Engine no. 7500177

Created to spearhead Mercedes-Benz's return to competition in the post-war era, the 300 SL debuted in the 1952 Mille Miglia, finishing 2nd and 4th overall. Wins in the Carrera Pan-Americana and at Le Mans followed, and the 300 SL was on its way to becoming part of motor sporting legend. Max Hoffman, the Mercedes-Benz importer for North America, believed there would be a market for a road-going version and managed to convince the factory that such a car would be a success.

The first racers were open-topped but before the '52 season's end the distinctive 'Gullwing' doored Coupé had appeared. Unusually high sills were a feature of the multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, and while access was not a problem of the open car, the adoption of coupé bodywork required innovative thinking - hence the Gullwing doors.

Launched in 1954, the production 300 SL retained the spaceframe chassis of the racer and was powered by a 2,996cc, overhead-camshaft, inline six canted at 45 degrees to achieve a lower, more aerodynamic bonnet line. Using innovative direct fuel injection, this state-of-the-art power unit produced 215bhp at 5,800rpm. A four-speed gearbox transmitted power to the hypoid bevel rear axle. Suspension was independent all round by wishbones and coil springs at the front, with swing axles and coil springs at the rear.

Tested by the highly respected American magazine Road & Track in 1955, the 300 SL accelerated from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, going on to achieve a top speed of 140mph: outstanding figures for its day. It was, arguably, the world's first supercar. Half expecting the long-awaited 300 SL to provide an anti-climax, R&T were delighted to find the new car, "far beyond our wildest expectations. In fact, we can state unequivocally that in our opinion the 300 SL coupé is the ultimate in an all-round sportscar. It combines more desirable features in one streamlined package than we ever imagined or hoped would be possible. Performance? It accelerates from a dead start to 100mph in just over 17 seconds. Dual purpose? A production model 300 SL can make a very acceptable showing in any type of sportscar competition. Yet the car is extremely tractable and easy to drive in traffic. Comfort? The fully enclosed 300 SL is the most comfortable (and safe) high-speed 'cross-country' car built today." Its racing parentage notwithstanding, the 300 SL was and remains a thoroughly practical automobile, as civilised in city driving as it is exhilarating on the highway.

Clearly the 300 SL Coupé 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. Disc brakes were standardised from March 1961, while towards the end of production a small batch of Roadsters was completed with an aluminium cylinder block.

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 hardtop 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.

The 300 SL Roadster sold well for a car that cost more than a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder and would out-live the 300 SL Coupé, which ceased production in 1957, by several years. Roadster production ceased in 1963 after 1,858 cars had been built, and today the model is both rare and highly sought after.

The 152nd car built, this 300 SL Roadster was completed before May 1957 and thus is eligible for the Mille Miglia. Its original colour scheme was white with a blue interior. Delivered new to Cannes, France, the car belonged to its first owner from 1957 to 1968, covering some 24,000 kilometres in that time, while the second owner cherished it for almost 40 years. The car has had only one owner since then. The second owner was Mr Leon Martin of Mallemort, Bouches-du-Rhône, a connoisseur and collector of exclusive automobiles, who only parting with the Mercedes in 2006 when he sold it to Mr Karl Esdar of Bielefeld, Germany. For 40 years the Mercedes was registered in France as '2994 BY 13', and the original French Carte Grise is still with the car.

Although the car was in good original condition, with no rust or other body issues, Mr Esdar, a renowned 300 SL specialist, decided to undertake as concours standard restoration, which took two years to complete and cost in the region of €250,000. On dismantling the car, he found that the body had been perfectly preserved and thus was an excellent candidate for restoration. It was stripped back to the tubular chassis and every panel painted prior to re-assembly. All mechanical components were inspected and refurbished before being reassembled, while the interior was re-trimmed throughout in high quality leather.

The restoration was undertaken with faultless attention to detail and stunning results, making this 300 SL Roadster one of the best of its kind surviving. '152' retains all of its original mechanical components with matching numbers, including the engine, transmission, and differential. Only some 7,000 kilometres have been covered since the rebuild's completion and, needless to say, this wonderful Mercedes-Benz runs beautifully. There was no adverse finding when the car was submitted for its German TüV.

This 300 SL comes with its original tools and jack, a bespoke set of luggage, owner's instruction manuals, and full documentation including invoices and restoration photographs. Presented in outstanding condition, it represents a not-to-be-missed opportunity for the serious collector. An exceptional example of the iconic 300 SL in Roadster form, this highly desirable motor car would make an exhilarating yet extremely practical touring companion. Indeed, there cannot be many better ways of travelling to a classic event, taking part, and driving home.