1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
- Engine
- Twin-cam inline-six, ~215 bhp (replacement 1958 unit, rebuilt)
- Colour
- Fire engine red
A very early-production 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis 7500397, originally delivered in Blue over Cream for the U.S. market with a 3.89:1 rear axle. Its documented history traces to Buffalo, New York, where it was owned by Dr. Irwin A. Ginsberg, a noted collector whose cars earned concours honours nationwide. The car subsequently passed through several owners across multiple states before entering a prominent California private collection.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$825,000
- —Auction saleSold US$758,500
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownDr. Irwin A. Ginsbergpartial documentation
Buffalo-based ear, nose, and throat specialist, wine enthusiast, and noted collector of classic automobiles; his collection earned awards at events across the country.
- Date unknownSuccession of owners in Florida, Ohio, California, and Michigannone documentation
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPrior California-based private ownerpartial documentation
Commissioned a full engine rebuild by Mercedes specialist Jim Cosgrove at Oldtimer Restoration Center in Massachusetts, along with rear axle and transmission inspection.
- Date unknownPrivate saleProminent California private collectionpartial documentation
Current custodian; vehicle has been maintained and driven under this ownership.
Competition
- 19851985 Pebble Beach Concours d'EleganceBest of Show
Award won by Dr. Ginsberg's collection generally; the prose attributes the Best of Show win to his cars rather than specifying this chassis explicitly.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Engine rebuildOldtimer Restoration Center
The car's replacement 1958 engine unit was fully rebuilt by a respected Mercedes-Benz specialist.
Work carried out under the prior owner. Jim Cosgrove of Oldtimer Restoration Center in Harvard, Massachusetts performed the rebuild.
- —InspectionOldtimer Restoration Center
Rear axle and gearbox were examined and inspected as part of the same mechanical overhaul episode.
Carried out concurrently with the engine rebuild under the prior owner.
- —Service
Routine servicing carried out during the current ownership period.
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