1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

198.042.8500154roadGermany

Engine: 3.0L inline six-cylinder OHC, fuel-injected, 215 bhp (DIN)
Colour: Anthracite with grey interior

Chassis 198.042.8500154 is a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster originally supplied through the British importer and finished in Light Blue over Red leather. Built on the landmark gullwing's space-frame platform with the world's first production fuel-injected engine, the car later passed through notable American hands, received mechanical attention in Arizona, and subsequently underwent a comprehensive bare-metal cosmetic restoration in British Columbia, emerging in a rare Anthracite with Grey interior combination. Original U.S.-specification equipment survives intact.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$1,265,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
→ 1981Acquisition unknown
UK-based owner(s)
partial documentation
Car was originally delivered via the UK distributor in London and remained in UK ownership through at least 1981.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
John Wenaas
partial documentation
Arizona resident who acquired the car after it was brought to the United States following its UK ownership period.
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Jim Rogers
partial documentation
Communications entrepreneur and noted collector based in Las Vegas; had the interior retrimmed in white leather with whitewall tires, earning the car the nickname 'Liberace'. The vehicle was a longstanding part of his personal collection.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2013Engine rebuild
Richardson Restoration and Machine Werks
Engine work carried out including new valve cover gaskets, replacement intake and exhaust guides, and new cam bearings.
Work performed at the Phoenix, Arizona facility.
—Restoration
Rudi & Company
Comprehensive cosmetic restoration including bare-metal repaint in Anthracite, new Grey interior, full chrome and glass replacement; colour scheme changed from prior white leather and whitewall configuration.
Carried out by a noted West Coast 300 SL specialist based in British Columbia; Anthracite with Grey is described as a rare and desirable combination for this model.

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