1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

198.042.7500182roadGermany

Engine: 3.0L inline-six, fuel-injected, higher compression, approximately 240 bhp
Colour: Fire-engine red

The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is among the earliest examples produced, delivered to the Hoffman dealership in Beverly Hills in October 1957 and retaining its original fire-engine red exterior and saddle interior. Chassis, body, and engine numbers all correspond to the original build card. The car underwent a comprehensive restoration in Germany in the early 1990s, with chassis and interior work carried out by Kienle in Heimerdingen and the engine rebuilt by Mercedes-Benz in Bremen. It has been maintained in excellent condition with matching hardtop, tools, and full documentation.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$1,094,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1957-10-31 →Factory delivery
Hoffman dealership Beverly Hills
partial documentation
Vehicle was consigned to the Hoffman dealership in Beverly Hills upon arrival from the factory; this is noted on the original build card.
→ 1991Acquisition unknown
Fort Lauderdale dealer
none documentation
The current owners located the car through this Florida dealer; early ownership history between the Hoffman dealership and this point is undocumented.
1991-10-20 →Private sale
Current owners (Florida-based couple)
full documentation
Acquired through a Fort Lauderdale dealer; shortly after purchase, the car was flown to Germany for a comprehensive restoration by Kienle in Heimerdingen, with engine work done at Mercedes-Benz in Bremen. Following restoration completion in mid-1993, the car was used for European touring and then returned to Florida. A second reconditioning visit to Kienle took place in 2007, at which time front disc brakes and seat belts were fitted.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

1991Service
Mercedes-Benz werkstadt (local, Germany)
Following acquisition, the car was made roadworthy at a local Mercedes-Benz workshop in Germany to allow it to be driven to the restoration facility.
1991Restoration
Kienle, Heimerdingen
Full restoration of the chassis and interior undertaken at Kienle's workshops in Heimerdingen. Simultaneously, the engine was shipped to Mercedes-Benz in Bremen for a complete rebuild. Work took nearly two years.
Engine rebuild carried out separately by Mercedes-Benz Bremen. Odometer was reset at the time of the engine rebuild.
1991Engine rebuild
Mercedes-Benz, Bremen
Engine dispatched to and fully rebuilt by Mercedes-Benz workshops in Bremen as part of the broader restoration programme.
Carried out concurrently with the Kienle chassis and interior restoration.
2007Mechanical
Kienle
Car returned to Kienle for general reconditioning; front disc brakes were fitted and seat belts were installed to improve safety and usability.
Carried out at the same time as the owners' Gullwing coupe was also sent to Kienle for attention.

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