1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
- Engine
- 3.0L inline-six, OHC, direct fuel injection, 215 bhp at 5,800 rpm
- Colour
- White
The 152nd 300 SL Roadster produced by Mercedes-Benz, this 1957 example was delivered new to Cannes, France, finished in white over a blue interior. Completed before May 1957, it qualifies for the Mille Miglia. Passing through just three owners across its lifetime, it underwent a meticulous two-year concours-standard restoration at a cost of approximately €250,000, retaining all original matching-numbers drivetrain components. Fewer than 7,000 kilometres have been covered since completion.
Ownership
- 2019-10-11Auction saleSold €900,000 (≈ $990K)
- 1957 → 1968Factory deliveryFirst owner, Cannes, Francepartial documentation
Car was delivered new to Cannes and remained with this owner for roughly eleven years, accumulating approximately 24,000 kilometres during that period.
- 1968 → 2006Acquisition unknownLeon Martinfull documentation
Collector based in Mallemort, Bouches-du-Rhône, kept the car for nearly four decades; French registration '2994 BY 13' and original Carte Grise remained with the vehicle throughout his tenure.
- 2006 →Private saleKarl Esdarfull documentation
Recognised 300 SL specialist based in Bielefeld, Germany, who commissioned a two-year concours-grade restoration costing approximately €250,000, returning the car to an exceptional standard while retaining all original matching-numbers components.
Competition
- 19521952 Mille Miglia2nd and 4th overall
This refers to the factory racing 300 SL programme, not the car being catalogued; mentioned to establish the model's motorsport heritage.
- 19521952 Carrera Panamericanavictory
Factory racing 300 SL victory; cited as part of the model's competition lineage, not specific to this chassis.
- 1952Le Mans 24 Hoursvictory
Factory 300 SL racing programme win; referenced to illustrate the model's origins, not the catalogued car's own history.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationKarl Esdar
Full concours-standard rebuild carried out by Karl Esdar over roughly two years, costing approximately €250,000. The car was stripped to its tubular spaceframe, every body panel painted prior to reassembly, all mechanical components inspected and refurbished, and the interior re-trimmed throughout in high-grade leather. All original matching-numbers drivetrain components were retained.
Restoration documented with invoices and photographs. Body was found to be exceptionally well-preserved with no rust or structural issues on disassembly. Following completion the car passed German TÜV inspection without adverse findings.
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