1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

Vehicle delivered from the factory to the US distributor at the end of July 1957; factory build sheet and heritage certificate from Mercedes-Benz Classic confirm delivery details.

Collector who had spent over a year seeking a suitable example; commissioned a comprehensive frame-off restoration by Classic European Restorations in Escondido, California, completed in summer 2005.

Acquired the concours-winning car from McDonald and subsequently sold it to the consignor.

One of reportedly two known prior owners before the barn-find discovery; the car at some point received a gold repaint.

Reportedly undertook some restoration work in 1994; the car was later found in Ohio in long-term storage with its engine disassembled in the luggage compartment.

Dedicated vintage sports car collector who researched the car's build history in depth and had the restoration freshened in early 2013 by specialist Mark Allin of Rare Drive in New Hampshire.

First major concours appearance following completion of the frame-off restoration; award presented shortly after the refurbishment was finished.

Companion concours appearance the same year as the Los Angeles event, also yielding a class victory.

Top award at the marque-specific national gathering held in San Diego, achieved during the same period of concours activity.

Inaugural running of the Pinehurst event; award followed the restoration freshening carried out by Mark Allin of Rare Drive earlier that year.

Some form of restoration work was reportedly carried out, details unspecified; the car was wearing gold paint at this time.

Mentioned only secondhand; no supporting documentation described in the catalogue prose.

Comprehensive frame-off refurbishment: body stripped via rotisserie media blasting with minor shaping corrections and refinished in midnight blue; chassis taken to bare metal and powder-coated; suspension, brakes, and rear axle rebuilt; engine and transmission fully disassembled and rebuilt using parts sourced partly from HK Engineering in Germany. Interior reupholstered in Parchment leather; all electrics, gauges, Becker radio, and ivory Bakelite steering wheel reconditioned; correct Rudge knock-off wheels supplied and painted to match bodywork; new matching luggage set fitted.

Work began after November 2003 acquisition and was completed during the summer of 2005. Additional mechanical and trim components were sourced from HK Engineering, Germany.

Careful freshening of the 2005 restoration, described as meticulous in scope, aimed at elevating presentation to the highest concours standard.

Commissioned by the consignor in early 2013; Mark Allin is a former long-serving employee of Paul Russell and Company with documented concours successes at Amelia Island, Cavallino, the FCA Nationals, Meadow Brook, and Pebble Beach.