Most of Mercedes-Benz’s special coachbuilding expertise in the late 1930s was put to use on the largest and most expensive models of the range, the supercharged 540 K and the vast 770. The company, however, was also capable of producing some special bodies on its smaller “family car” platforms, as evidenced by the existence of this charming Sport Roadster, a dashing two-passenger convertible with a rumble seat, built on the 200 V chassis.

The 200 V unto itself was not a particularly common car in any form, but in letters to a former owner of this car, Louis Robbins of El Paso, Texas, Mercedes-Benz of North America indicated that it was something very unique indeed. Writing to Mr. Robbins, Count Marcus Clary noted that 27 Sport Roadsters were produced in 1938, and only four the following year. Further, this particular Sport Roadster “was commissioned early in 1938 and apparently originally used as a company car because it was only sold to a customer in late 1939.”

After longtime Northern California Mercedes-Benz dealer Jules Barsotti acquired the Robbins car in 1979, he was able to satisfy himself that no other examples survived, noting “only one left” in paperwork in the car’s file. Restoration of the rare Sport Roadster commenced thereafter, with the goal of competition at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Finished in two shades of silver with red striping and a red leather interior, the charming little car made a big impression in its display at Pebble Beach in 1984, winning 3rd in Class.

The car retains its original serial number and body number tags, with certain bespoke panels, such as the hood hinge, still bearing stamped factory body numbers. While the thorough restoration is now 40 years old, it still holds up well, with the paint and interior still being attractive enough for driving enjoyment and local display. However, the car has been in storage for several years, and therefore mechanical rejuvenation will be necessary before taking it on the road. The odometer recorded 80,749 kilometers at the time of cataloguing.

If the ultimate Mercedes-Benz of this era was the Special Roadster, then this, indeed, must be a very special little roadster.