1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
- Engine
- Fuel-injected inline-six, NSL specification
- Colour
- Strawberry Red Metallic with ivory hardtop
A 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster finished in rare Strawberry Red Metallic — one of approximately 30 examples so painted — with an ivory hardtop and cream interior. Delivered new on 8 March 1958 to Jim Gilmore Jr. of Kalamazoo, Michigan, a prominent Indianapolis racing sponsor whose partnership with A.J. Foyt became legendary. Retaining its original engine and covering just 25,700 miles, this unrestored example has remained in careful enthusiast hands throughout its life and is accompanied by extensive original documentation.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$973,000
- 1958-03-08 → 2001Factory deliveryJim Gilmore Jr.full documentation
Purchased new via Gezon Motor Sales in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prominent Indiana racing sponsor and businessman who kept the car until his death.
- 2001 → 2009InheritanceRuth Langspartial documentation
Daughter of Jim Gilmore Jr. who inherited the car along with her husband; they maintained it with routine servicing and had a fresh coat of matching paint applied during their ownership.
- 2009 →Private saleFemale enthusiast in Californiapartial documentation
Acquired the vehicle with roughly 21,985 miles recorded; participated in at least one historic rally event during her tenure.
Competition
- 20102010 Mille Miglia Santa Barbara Rally
The California-based second owner took part in this rally event with the roadster.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Service
Periodic servicing carried out during the Langs family's ownership, including replacement of deteriorated rubber seals and exhaust components on an as-needed basis.
Work performed approximately between 2001 and 2009.
- —Bodywork
Full respray in the original Strawberry Red Metallic colour applied during the Langs family's ownership period.
Carried out sometime between 2001 and 2009; no workshop named.
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