THE ART OF IMPROVING PERFECTION

To this day, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL remains one of the most important and iconic vehicles ever constructed. Built from 1954 to 1957, the “Gullwing” first arrived as a triumph of engineering and design. The new 300 SL featured production fuel-injection—an industry first—and achieved the world's fastest top speed, answering influential importer Max Hoffman's challenge to Mercedes-Benz engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut—to build a grand prix-level car that was tailored for road use.

Hoffman insisted that an open version of the 300 SL also be developed, but the Roadster was far more than just a topless Gullwing. The frame was fortified with additional structural members, allowing for traditional hinged doors with larger openings. Further structural reinforcement improved torsional rigidity, and a low-pivot, swing-axle rear suspension largely eliminated the Gullwing’s tendency to oversteer.

Engine compression in the Roadster increased to 9.5:1, resulting in an additional 25 horsepower. The standard sports camshaft and a lower 3.89:1 rear end improved acceleration yet still yielded a top speed of 137 mph, ideal for US road conditions. Further improvements such as roll-up windows and softer coil springs made for a much more enjoyable ride without compromising the sporting nature of the race-bred original.

A total of 1,858 Roadsters were built through 1963, with just 554 examples constructed in 1957. Though it was packaged as a flagship luxury tourer, the 300 SL Roadster was nevertheless a better-performing version of its racing forebear, and it remains the more useable and easily enjoyed of the two models. The convertible SL was so successful that a descendant of the original model has remained in production in one form or another to this day, epitomizing the notion of an automotive legend.

CHASSIS NUMBER 7500469

Benefitting from a meticulous eight-year restoration to factory specifications, and presented in its original color combination, this immaculately presented numbers-matching 300 SL Roadster is one of the most impressive examples offered in recent memory. As confirmed by a copy of its factory build sheet (lieferschein), chassis number 7500469 was completed in November 1957, finished in Schwarz paint over an interior of Cream leather (DB 1060) with a black soft top, and equipped with a Becker Mexico radio.

Specified for the US market with sealed-beam headlamps, the Mercedes-Benz was distributed through the company’s arrangement with Studebaker-Packard and reportedly retailed to a Cadillac dealer based in San Diego, California. Circa 1967, Mr. and Mrs. John Goodman of Tucson, Arizona, acquired the 300 SL and would cherish it for a remarkable period of 50 years.

Early in 2017, Mercedes-Benz expert Albrecht Stachel of Brooklyn Motoren Werke in Brooklyn, Wisconsin, was commissioned to perform a complete mechanical overhaul. This work was completed in 2019, with parts alone exceeding $85,000. The mechanical rebuild also included blueprinting the block. A new crankshaft and pistons were installed, along with new rod, main cap, and head bolts. The timing gear and water pump were renewed, and the two oil pumps were rebuilt in Germany. The assembled engine was then statically and dynamically balanced. The four-speed manual gearbox, differential, brake system, and Bosch mechanical fuel injection were all rebuilt, and a new German wiring harness and stainless-steel exhaust system were installed.

The fuel injection pump and injectors were overhauled by Pacific Fuel Injection of South San Francisco, California, and the pump gears were replaced. A constant-run Bosch electric fuel pump pack was added, and the mechanical lift pump was removed to limit fuel dilution. The fuel sending unit was overhauled, the fuel tank was cleaned, and a pre-filter was added between the tank and electric pumps. A 123ignition system and a more powerful Bosch 38-amp generator with a matched regulator were also installed. Details of the scope of work performed are on file and available for review.

When it became clear that the cost of a total refurbishment would far exceed the preliminary budget, the decision was made to finally sell the car, and it was soon spotted by the consignor, a highly respected collector based in Arizona. The new owner was immediately impressed by the Roadster’s rare original interior specifications per the build sheet, and he quickly envisioned how special a full restoration to concours specifications would be.

Following the consignor’s acquisition, a nearly five-year restoration ensued that included the procurement of many original, factory NOS parts. These included the European-specification headlamps, tail lamps, steering wheel, and a multitude of incredibly rare parts.

A veritable “who’s who” of marque specialists performed work and supplied parts, including Jon and Bryce Cumpton, Sonoran Classic Restorations, Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, Authentic Classics, and many others, with Robert Webster of RW Fabrications ensuring final details of roadworthiness. Upholstery work by Jon Cumpton, who took delivery of ten hides tanned in the traditional technique of vegetable dying—a lost art in itself—epitomizes the restoration’s exceptional level of detail and workmanship. Supplied by a company in Germany, the leather features a unique grain character and was meticulously cut, sewn, and fashioned with hand-punched perforations. These old-world techniques have elevated the optional Cream leather interior to a brilliant level of presentation, further complemented by color-matched, factory-style fitted luggage by esteemed specialist Taris Charysyn & Co of New York.

Upon completion of the eight-year refurbishment in early 2024, the stunning Mercedes-Benz was entered in its inaugural national-level event, the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance. The immaculate car did nothing less than win the coveted Best of Show, and a photograph of the triumphant podium award graced the cover of the Gullwing Group Newsletter the following May.

It is important to note that mechanical stampings corresponding to the factory build information confirm that this 300 SL retains its numbers-matching engine, coachwork, gearbox, front axle spindles, and rear axle. Additionally documented with an entry from the Gullwing Group Register, this exceptional Roadster is accompanied by an extensive photo file documenting the meticulous restoration process, including a plethora of invoices. Such an exquisitely presented 300 SL would make a crowning addition to any sports car collection, ideal for marque collectors and open motoring enthusiasts alike.