1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
- Engine
- Inline-six, increased compression for 100-octane fuel, ~240 bhp (up 25 hp from coupe spec)
- Colour
- Black (DB 040)
A 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis 7500603, built to U.S. specification and completed on 27 December 1957. Originally delivered in black over red leather with a Becker Mexico Radio, it spent its early years on the West Coast before receiving a concours-level restoration around 2000. Subsequent owners maintained it to a high standard, and it has twice completed the California Mille. The car retains matching chassis, body, and engine numbers and carries extensive documented service history.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,200,000 – US$1,400,000
- —Auction saleSold US$1,655,000
- → 2015Acquisition unknownChuck Mountainpartial documentation
Former engineer at Kar Kraft Engineering with involvement in Ford factory motorsport; commissioned a full concours-level restoration around 2000 using parts from Paul Russell and Company, employing a Mercedes-Benz Classic Center technician.
- 2015 →Private salePrevious owner seeking touring-event vehiclepartial documentation
Had the car comprehensively serviced and detailed by Canepa Design before taking delivery; later commissioned further mechanical and cosmetic work including a full exterior repaint through Virtuoso Performance and Coachwerks.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryStudebaker-Packard Corporation, San Francisco branchpartial documentation
Served as the authorized Mercedes-Benz distributor in the region; vehicle was shipped from Hamburg and received at this branch on the West Coast.
- Date unknownWest Coast owner or owners (presumed)none documentation
Early ownership history assumed to have been on the West Coast of the United States; no documentation or names provided in the source.
Competition
- 2015California Mille2015 California MilleCompleted
Car's first participation in this long-distance touring event shortly after the most recent owner acquired it; returned to Canepa Design for additional sorting afterward.
- 2016California Mille2016 California MilleCompleted
Second successful completion of the event by the same owner, confirming the car's suitability for long-distance touring use.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2000RestorationChuck Mountain's facility (with Paul Russell & Company parts)
Full concours-standard restoration carried out at Chuck Mountain's facility using parts sourced from Paul Russell & Company. A former Mercedes-Benz Classic Center employee was engaged to oversee the work.
Car was driven only sparingly after the restoration was completed.
- 2015ServiceCanepa Design
Comprehensive mechanical servicing and cosmetic detailing totalling more than 250 hours, carried out immediately before the 2015 owner took delivery.
Located in Scotts Valley, California.
- 2015ServiceCanepa Design
Additional sorting and mechanical attention following the car's first California Mille participation.
A follow-up visit to the same workshop after the 2015 event.
- 2019MechanicalVirtuoso Performance
Thorough no-expense-spared mechanical overhaul covering the ignition, timing, braking, and fuel-delivery systems.
Located in Hayward, California.
- 2019BodyworkCoachwerks
Exterior repainted in the factory-correct black (DB 040) colour.
Located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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