When the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL first broke cover in 1954, it presented a blinding vision of the future. From its bold yet beautiful aerodynamic styling to the cutting-edge mechanical fuel injection that afforded its straight-six such power, the incredible “Gullwing” blew its competition out of the water. But perhaps what is most remarkable was that it achieved such performance while also proving to be one of the most elegant, chic and desirable automobiles of the decade—a car often hailed as the first true supercar, though the term had not yet been invented upon its debut.

The Roadster variant, introduced in May 1957, maintained the 3.0-liter engine but with enhanced power to compensate for its increased weight. Its redesigned rear suspension improved handling, while a lower tube frame facilitated easier entry and exit, appealing particularly to Hollywood's elite attending premieres at venues like the Egyptian Theatre.

A ONE-OFF, RUDGE WHEEL ROADSTER

Of the 1,858 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadsters produced between 1957 and 1963, a mere 30 of them, less than 1.5% of the total Roadster production, were delivered new with the now ultra-desirable option of competition-derived Rudge wheels. So rare are 300 SL Roadsters delivered new with Rudge wheels, that the known number of these specially optioned cars produced is less than that of aluminum-bodied 300 SL Gullwings.

From a collectability standpoint, the “Factory Rudge” designation is the rarest and most coveted original option for the model, and by a significant margin—even trading at higher premiums than the very latest 300 SL Roadsters which benefit from improved disc brakes and an aluminum alloy engine block. The chance to acquire an excellent example from this incredibly small series of original Rudge Wheel 300 SL Roadsters should be appreciated as a significant opportunity to invest in the rarest, and perhaps most durable, market segment of this collectable and iconic model.

According to the factory data card, chassis 7500364 is a special-ordered, US-delivery car which was shipped from Sindelfingen on 5 November 1957 and finished in Black (040) over Natural (1068) leather with sealed-beam headlights, matching Karl Baish luggage, Becker Mexico radio, instruments in English, and—of note with respect to this special 300SL’s significance and rarity—Rudge wheels. Amazingly, all five of the original date-matched Rudge wheels from September 1957 still accompany this incredible Roadster to this day.

The car’s earliest recorded owner is Alexander Jefferies of Washington, DC, and he then sold it on 14 June 1976 to dealer Irwin Blass of Arlington, Virginia. Shortly thereafter, the famous conductor and Mercedes-Benz enthusiast Don Ricardo of Pasadena, California purchased 7500364 from Blass for $11,000. Within Ricardo’s esteemed celebrity ownership, this exemplary Rudge Wheel Roadster was a cherished stablemate to “the Don’s” record-setting Alloy Gullwing, 500 K Roadster, SSK, 600 SWB, a 1963 disc-brake 300 SL Roadster, and also a hopped-up competition Gullwing which he ran in SCCA events with support from Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood.

Following several much-enjoyed years in Ricardo’s stable of stellar Mercedes-Benzes, 7500364 next appears back east within a private collection in Maryland, from which it later passed to Warren Weiner of Villanova, Pennsylvania.

During Weiner’s ownership, the car was maintained by the renowned marque specialist Bob Platz of Precision Autoworks in Camden, New Jersey, who has confirmed that this prized 300 SL remained highly original, unrestored condition up until the prior owner purchased the car from Weiner’s estate in 2012 and commissioned Platz’s world-famous team to execute the concours-winning restoration which this super-leicht so proudly wears today.

Between April 2012 and June 2014, 7500364 was treated to an extravagantly detailed, comprehensive restoration. Beginning with a highly original car is always a favorable start for such a project, and to this end Platz and his team were suitably surprised by the car’s phenomenal state of preservation.

Resplendently refinished in its original color combination, the car’s prized Rudge wheels and factory hardtop were also painted to match its iconic bodywork. Importantly, this special Roadster is correctly presented, with numerous and subtle 1957-specific features deliberately maintained through its painstaking restoration process. Such subtleties include the “no nut” wiper arms, distinctive radiator shell, hex cap nuts to tighten top cables, Becker Mexico radio, early roadster red dash indicators, rocker end flares, Gullwing-type “300 SL” trunk emblem and trunk lock, as well as the Roadster-specific, 5.5-inch wide, date-coded Rudge wheels. Additionally, Grundfor also sourced an ultra-rare set of Alfred Baisch lap belts. Its fuel tank has been replaced, and the original tank accompanies the car today.

The beautifully restored Rudge Wheel Roadster has garnered widespread acclaim. In 2015, it achieved Best in Class recognition at both the Winter Park Concours d’Elegance in Florida and the Pinehurst Concours d’Elegance in North Carolina. Additionally, it graced the cover of the March 2015 issue of MBCA’s The Star magazine. The following year, it earned the title of Best Open Car at the Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance. In 2020, at the esteemed Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, judges took note of Platz’s exceptional craftsmanship, awarding the Roadster Best in Class among a formidable group of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

As presented today, this unrepeatable 300 SL is accompanied by an original set of Karl Baisch luggage, a tool roll, jack, Rudge wheel hammer, matching hardtop, and copy of its Mercedes-Benz factory data card which confirms its original specifications and numbers-matching engine, body, chassis, front axles, and gearbox. Its rear axle, stamped 7500398, is believed to be original, although the data card copy on file states “318.” For as long as anyone has known the car, it has been presented with a sought-after factory hardtop—an accessory that was not available for order until 1958. Commentary from Platz and Grundfor (on file) note that they believe only one other Rudge Wheel Roadster to have been fitted so early in its life with this desirable accoutrement. The hardtop has been stamped with the last three digits of this car’s body number, 288.

During the consignor’s ownership tenure, this Roadster has received more than $60,000 of routine servicing from marque specialists Scott Grundfor Company in Arroyo Grande, California and has been enjoyed on two high-speed runnings of The Colorado Grand without issue. Importantly, as a 1957 example of this iconic model, it is one of very few 300 SL Roadsters eligible as “guest list” participants for the exclusive Mille Miglia road rally.

Hailed as one of the greatest open sportscars of all time, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster stands as a testament to one of motoring’s most glamorous periods. Boasting wonderful performance and reliable enough to be enjoyed daily, the 300 SL Roadster is an enthusiast favorite for vintage rallies, long-distance touring, or even regular use at one’s summer home. With a well-restored example being a requisite of any serious collection, this important Rudge Wheel Roadster is certain to impress its next curator.