250 bhp, 2,996 cc OHC inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox, independent front suspension with twin wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bar, single-pivot swing axle rear suspension with compensating spring and coil springs, hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers, and hydraulic, servo-assisted brakes. Wheelbase: 2,400 mm

• Offered from the Collection of a Swiss Gentleman

• An iconic 20th century sports car, then and now

• Sought-after example from first year of production

• Complete with front disc brakes, fitted luggage and hard top

The spectacular Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” was in production for three years, during which time just 1,400 cars, not including racers and prototypes, were built largely by hand in Stuttgart’s finest tradition. Yet despite the low production volume, Daimler-Benz remained sufficiently convinced of the value of an expensive, image-leading sports car as part of its model line-up to develop an improved open version.

A modified 300SL Roadster chassis was first spotted in the summer of 1956 at Stuttgart by the German magazine Auto, Motor und Sport. The improved 300SL Roadster debuted in the spring of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show. By the end of that year, the final 70 of the 1,400 Gullwing Coupés and the first 618 of 1,858 300SL Roadsters were assembled.

Among the Roadster’s many advancements was a lowered central section of the lightweight 300SL space-frame chassis to allow improved entrance and egress with smaller sills and enlarged doors. At the rear, the spare tyre was repositioned below the boot floor, with a smaller fuel tank providing useful luggage space. The suspension was fine-tuned by repositioning of the single-pivot swing-axle and the addition of a coil spring mounted transversely above the differential, allowing the use of softer rear springs and providing a more comfortable ride and improved handling. Coupled with wider tyres and wider front and rear tracks, the roadster banished the Gullwing’s tricky handling characteristics. This specific feature was borrowed from the W196 Grand Prix racing car.

The hood retracted fully into a well behind the seats and was covered with a metal panel, making for a sleek body. The 300SL Roadster remained an excellent performer with a 137-mph top speed and was popular among the celebrity elite of the era, including such luminaries as Clark Gable and Elvis Presley. Although the 300SL was a tremendous image-booster for Mercedes-Benz, unfortunately, it did not do much for the company coffers. The $11,500 price held production to just 250-300 cars per year, and the last 300SL Roadster was built on 8 February, 1963.

This desirable first-year example from late 1957 is a prized part of the current owner’s well-known collection. He recalls its purchase in a recent book:

I already had the Coupé version and a few months later, I bought the Roadster. The Iraq war was in full swing and I had no intention of acquiring another Mercedes since I was focusing on Ferraris. Then came an opportunity that made me change my mind. I found this Roadster in Germany and sent a mechanic to inspect it. He came back with an original silver car with red interior. I’ve never regretted buying either one.

The history file accompanying this 300SL Roadster shows that it was originally shipped on 9 January, 1958 from Amsterdam to Durban, finished in DB180 silver with contrasting red leather upholstery and destined for Mercedes aficionado Dr. John Stegman of Bloemfontein, South Africa. Together with his friend and fellow 300SL owner Walter Weis, Dr. Stegman set a record driving time with this 300SL from Bloemfontein to Cape Town, a record which is said to still stand today. After Dr. Stegman’s death his 300SL passed to Peter Manelis of Johannesburg. He undertook a general ‘going through,’ selling it in March 1995 to Ingo R. Orlop, who completed further work including overhauling the engine and gearbox and a bare metal repaint before the car toured the South African show circuit. Copies of the various awards garnered accompany the sale.

In September 2000 the 300SL was flown to Germany to participate in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Days, after which it was entrusted to specialist firm Kienle for further work such as rebuilding the water and oil radiators, fitting electronic ignition, supplying fitted luggage and overhauling the rear axle (bills on file total €37,985.90). Mr. Orlop toured Europe with his 300SL in 2001 and then had further work carried out, this time by expert Fritz Wallner in Munich who fitted front disc brakes and new carpets. That same year the car was imported to Germany by Kienle before later passing into the present Swiss ownership. Initially painted black, the car has now been painted silver to match the owner’s alloy Gullwing. Included in the sale are current Swiss and old German registration documents, a colourful 300SL sales catalogue and owners manual (reprints), copy FIVA pass (1995), correspondence from the Mercedes-Benz Museum confirming chassis and engine numbers, an interesting history file and recent mechanical maintenance invoices totalling CHF 25,177.

Without a shadow of doubt, the 300SL today remains one of the greatest production automobiles ever produced, and it will be forever recognised for sheer performance, heritage, engineering and overall excellence. This car is complete with fitted luggage, Becker Europa radio, original tools and a matching hardtop to complement the original silver finish and red leather upholstery. It is offered from the collection of a discerning and respected owner and is a 300SL that any enthusiast would be most proud to own and enjoy.

A reduced import tax of 5% may be applicable to this car. For further explanation please speak with an RM representative.