1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
- Engine
- 3.0L SOHC inline-six, 215 bhp (DIN) / 240 hp (SAE)
- Colour
- Silver Metallic (DB180)
A 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster produced in the first year of that model's production run, with matching-numbers chassis, body, and engine confirmed by the factory data card. Owned by the same consignor for approximately 42 years, the car was comprehensively restored in 2002 by Rudi & Company on Vancouver Island, with mechanical work by Marx Mercedes Services. Finished in Silver Metallic with a deep red leather interior and fitted with European-specification headlights and a highway-ratio rear axle, it has since earned class honours at both the Amelia Island and Hilton Head concours events.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,000,000 – US$1,300,000
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent consignorfull documentation
Held the car for approximately 42 years prior to sale; drove it coast-to-coast on club tours and commissioned a full restoration in 2002 by Rudi & Company on Vancouver Island, with mechanical work by Marx Mercedes Services in California.
Competition
- —Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceClass win
Car earned a class victory following its 2002 restoration, reflecting the quality of the Rudi & Company work.
- —Hilton Head Concours d'EleganceClass win
Second class victory achieved after restoration, alongside the Amelia Island result.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2002RestorationRudi & Company
Complete ground-up restoration returning the car to showroom specification. Bodywork finished in Silver Metallic (DB180); original Parchment leather interior replaced with a deep red hide. European-specification headlamps and a 3.25:1 final-drive ratio were fitted during the work.
Rudi & Company, located on Vancouver Island, is described as one of a small number of specialist 300 SL restorers in North America. Mechanical work was handled separately by Marx Mercedes Services of Costa Mesa, California.
- 2002MechanicalMarx Mercedes Services
Full mechanical overhaul carried out in conjunction with the body restoration, covering drivetrain and associated systems.
Marx Mercedes Services is based in Costa Mesa, California. Work was concurrent with the Rudi & Company cosmetic restoration.
- 2002Modification
European-specification headlights installed for enhanced night visibility, and rear axle ratio changed to 3.25:1 for more relaxed highway cruising.
These modifications were carried out as part of the 2002 restoration programme.
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