1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster with hardtop

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster with hardtop - Superb appearance, original engine - Great history, with the same family for 45 years - Exceptional options from new: fitted luggage, hardtop, Becker radio - Extensive documentation, regularly maintained 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster with hardtop This 300 SL Roadster went on display in the showroom of the Mercedes dealer in San Diego, California as soon as it was delivered at the end of 1957 and was then bought new in 1959 by the Hanes family from Paseo de la Playa, also in California. They kept it for 45 years, until it was sold in 2004 through the specialist Otto Althaus to a Dutch collector by the name of Van Amelsfoort, who wanted a well-preserved, rust-free car with its original engine. It was in these terms that the car was described in 2002, when it was the subject of a valuation report, with the odometer then reading 80,754 miles (129,961km). In February 2004, the cargo ship Ever Round left Long Island for Rotterdam with the car on board, and on its arrival its owner sent it to the Star Classics workshop, a Mercedes specialist in Den Bosch, for a complete restoration, with the engine reconditioned by Bossche Motoren Revisie. The restoration was completed in 2007, and a file of photographs shows the extent of the work undertaken and the tubular chassis stripped back to bare metal. In June 2011, the car was offered for sale at auction by Artcurial, where it attracted the attention of Thierry Dehaeck, then on a business trip to New York, successfully bid for it by phone. Since then, it has taken part in a great many events, including the Mille Miglia in 2018 and 2019, on the second occasion winning first prize in its class. Since Thierry Dehaeck was the vice-president of the 300 SL Gullwing-Roadster Club Belgium, the car took part in several outings organised by the club, sometimes driven by the owner’s family or friends, when he himself was using his 300 SL ‘Gullwing’. This lovely roadster appeared on the cover of the October 2024 issue of Rétroviseur, in which it was the subject of a comprehensive feature, together with the ‘Gullwing’ from the collection. Meticulously maintained by its owner, this Mercedes 300 SL Roadster is in superb condition today, with its black bodywork and red leather upholstery. Exceptionally, it is still fitted with its original options, including two period suitcases, its refurbished hardtop and its Becker Mexico radio, complete with its Hirschmann aerial. It still has its original engine. It will be supplied with some rare historic documents: its service book, the owner’s manual in its plastic wallet, old American registration papers, manuals for the Becker radio and Bosch fuel-injection, service bills since 2011, period photographs, its FIVA ID card and promotional materials from when it was new. An icon of automotive history, the 300 SL Roadster combines advanced design with a tubular structure, an outstanding six-cylinder fuel-injected engine and a convertible body that makes it ideal for outings, rallies or concours events. In the same hands for 45 years, extremely well maintained by its successive owners and sold with an extensive history file, it is one of the most desirable examples of this automotive legend.

Estimate:$1,348,460.4

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