Vehicle Details
- Year: 1957
- Make: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 300SL Roadster
- VIN: 300SL7500255
- Mileage Shown: 743mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Silver
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: West Palm Beach, FL 33409
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0039973
Originally envisioned as a racing car and later as a sports coupe, the 300SL Roadster was conceived by Max Hoffman, the official Mercedes-Benz importer in America at the time. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in May of 1957, the 300SL stands as one of the most significant automobiles of the 20th century, boasting numerous mechanical and technological innovations. This 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL is one of only 1,858 roadsters produced during a six-year manufacturing period and is one of just 554 first-year examples produced. Following a comprehensive restoration, it was refinished in Silver and reupholstered with factory-spec red leather. The restoration also included a mechanical refurbishment, and among its features are a 4-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with a low-pivot rear swing axle, servo-assisted hydraulic drum brakes, and a set of luggage. This 300SL is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Florida.
The 300SL traces its lineage directly back to the 1952 Le Mans W194 competition coupe. It inherits the racer's pioneering and lightweight tubular space-frame chassis, a groundbreaking feature for a production road car at the time. In contrast to the Gullwing Coupe, the Roadster underwent chassis modifications, including lower sills to accommodate conventional swing-opening doors. This Roadster has undergone a meticulous restoration process and now showcases a Silver (DB180) exterior, a departure from its original Fire Engine Red (DB534) color, complemented by a red convertible top. Additionally, the 15” wheels feature original hubcaps that have been repainted to match the body. The seller indicates the presence of a minor scratch adjacent to the driver’s door handle, detailed images are available in the photo gallery.
The interior showcases reupholstered red leather seats, a matching dashboard, and red carpeting as per its factory specification, complemented by chrome accents and analog instruments. It is also equipped with roll-up windows and a 2-spoke ivory steering wheel featuring a horn ring. The seller describes the interior as being in remarkable condition, noting only minor scratches on the driver's seat. All gauges and electronics are reported to be fully functional without any warning lights.
Power is derived from a type M198 3.0-liter inline-six engine positioned at a unique 45-degree angle, allowing for a lower hoodline. Equipped with direct fuel injection, a pioneering feature for its time, this front-mounted engine delivers 225 HP to the rear wheels, an increase of 10 HP over previous iterations. All four corners feature independent suspension, while low-pivot swing axles contribute to both a lower stance and enhanced handling. The seller notes a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment of the engine and transmission during a prior restoration, with both components remaining factory original. Furthermore, the engine and suspension numbers are reported to match the data card. Included in the sale are over 100 receipts spanning at least 15 years, documenting various maintenance and repair services, ranging from minor details to more extensive work such as fuel injection pump service.
This sale will include a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: “The 300SL Roadster is one of the most enviable convertibles in existence.”
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $990,000
- Auction End: Feb 16, 2024 07:52:23PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 15
Comments (31)
Bid in the amount of $990,000
Bid in the amount of $988,000
Bid in the amount of $975,000
Bid in the amount of $949,000
Bid in the amount of $945,000
Bid in the amount of $940,000
Bid in the amount of $934,000
Bid in the amount of $925,000
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Bid in the amount of $919,000
Bid in the amount of $910,000
King pins showed in the gallery (matching with the data card #249)
Bid in the amount of $888,000
@flutangclan,
This is the original convertible top frame.
Diff number is matching.
As well as the king pins.
Thank you.
Do the king pins match?
Do body numbers match as asked below? Diff number? Original convertible top frame, original convertible top boot?
@flutangclan,
this photoshop was not done by us but by pcarmarket.
nothing on the car was photoshop.
Have a good day
Noticed the photoshop difference between pic #1 and #300, can you elaborate to any parts of the car which have been additionally photoshopped?
Do the king pins match?
Do body numbers match as asked below? Diff number? Original convertible top frame, original convertible top boot?
Bid in the amount of $875,000
Bid in the amount of $825,000
@pcm of course good afternoon,
we would be 100% okay and happy with that.
@palmbeachclassics if reserve were to be met would you be okay with having the vehicle inspect at the Mercedes classic center to verify numbers matching at buyers expense of course.
Hello @johnblackyoldtimer, thank you for your comment.
This car was never restored or serviced by Kienle but parts were bought from them (See invoices).
This car was completely restored by a mercedes shop in Florida (not by us). A picture in the gallery showing the copy of the data card includes all the matching number - the engine 7500267 as well as chassis 7500255. As a reminder, the car was originally painted in DB534 Feuerwehrrot and changed in DB180 Silver.
Have a great day
Palm Beach Classics
The name Kienle appears in the invoices. There was a big scandal here, which led to Kienle's bankruptcy. Kienle was accused of also forging the chassis number. Therefore, please also post all the chassis numbers that are on the vehicle. https://www.zwischengas.com/de/FT/diverses/Falsches-Spiel-mit-teuren-Nummern.html
Is there also a real-time certificate from Mercedes Benz for this vehicle? Otherwise a very nice 300 SL that will certainly bring a lot of joy.
What a classic beaut! I saw an identical silver/red 300SL roadster on my first trip to Florida in 1967 (from NJ in a 190D Benz as I remember)! M Benz of Ft Lauderdale had the car on the lot with a $12K price tag …. Used/unrestored of course, but I never forgot it. GLWTA.
Hello Everyone and happy Monday!
thank you for checking on this 1957 300SL Roadster!
The car is in an amazing condition and if you have any question, feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Palm Beach Classics
Bid in the amount of $800,000
Wow 😮
Bid in the amount of $123,456
holy lord. yes.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Happy Friday Pcarmarketer and welcome on our auction for this exceptional 1957 300SL Roadster!
This car is in an incredible condition and includes over $350,000 of receipt for the past 15 years.
The last service was done by us including revising the front brakes as well as changing minor details with OEM mercedes parts (Shifter knobs...).
We are more than happy to answer to any question and have a great week end!
Sincerely,
Palm Beach Classics