225 bhp, 2,996 cc overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with coil springs and rear swing axle with coil springs. Wheelbase: 2,400 mm

• Attractive Hellblau metallic over burgundy colour combination

• Four owners from new

• Expertly maintained and complete with original engine

• Landmark grand touring design

As with many of the most important sports cars, the development of the road-going Mercedes-Benz 300SL and its subsequent importation into the United States would not have been possible without Mercedes’ American distributor, Max Hoffman. While attending a 1954 meeting of the Daimler-Benz Board of Directors, Hoffman argued passionately for a production version of the 300SL racing car. Despite initial objections, the determined Hoffman prevailed and left Germany with a commitment for 1,000 SLs.

Introduced in 1954 to thrilled crowds in New York, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL was essentially a supercar with a price tag well in excess of $7,000. Despite the high price, the immediate and long-term success of the 300SL was due in large part to the growing American fascination with smaller, more nimble European sports cars, an interest expressed by many GIs returning from service on the Continent during the early 1950s.

Notably, the production 300SL capably incorporated the technological advancements that resulted from Mercedes-Benz’s racing program. Regarding the car’s nomenclature, the 300, of course, represented the engine’s displacement of three litres, while SL denoted “Sport und Leicht” (light). A key factor in the car’s sparkling performance was the car’s light tubular frame, designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, which was truly an engineering triumph. Based upon an intricate network of many thin tubes, Uhlenhaut’s frame design provided incredible strength yet weighed a mere 82 kilograms!

The body design was a classic case of form following function. While believed to be merely decorative, the distinctive bulges over the wheel openings actually improved high-speed stability, and the two longitudinal hood bulges and distinctive grillwork on both front fenders removed excessive heat from the engine bay while reducing interior noise. In addition, lightweight aluminium was used extensively for the bodywork, particularly for the doors, hood, trunk lid and interior sheet metal.

Compared to competitive sports cars of its time, the 300SL gained an immediate reputation for not only high performance but also for exceptional build quality and advanced design. Where contemporary sports cars featured carburettors, solid rear axles and pushrod engines, the 300SL offered Bosch direct fuel injection, independent rear suspension and an overhead camshaft.

When the 300SL roadster was introduced at the London Motor Show in October of 1957, Daimler-Benz proudly stated, “the dynamic flow lines of its sprawling body are the outward promise of the pent-up power which the Type 300SL roadster can release within the second, in response to your command.” As the roadster was based on the coupé, there were many similarities between the two; the roadster featured larger fenders, different headlights, a smaller grille and a chrome strip down the side of the car that distinguished it from its brother. The heritage, however, remained unquestionable.

Since the 300SL Roadster lacked the strength and rigidity offered by the coupé’s roof, Mercedes-Benz engineers thoroughly redesigned the car’s chassis to maintain its structural integrity. Consequently, the roadster was a slightly heavier automobile, yet the engineers were also able to coax an additional 10 horsepower from the robust engine by including a sports camshaft and raising the compression ratio to 9.5:1. While the roadster’s aerodynamics were not as favourable as for the coupé, the roadster could still approach 155 mph with the right gearing and remained one of the fastest road cars in the world.

The motoring press quickly praised the 300SL, as it continues to do today. From its incredibly beautiful shape to its advanced engineering, strong performance and handling prowess to its functional yet comfortable interior, the 300SL remains the standard by which lesser sports cars are judged. Particularly well suited for long-distance, high-speed touring, the 300SL was fitted with a standard 100-litre fuel tank and boasted a remarkable luggage capacity. In addition, a handsome set of fitted leather luggage was also available, improving the impressive storage capability and practicality of this incredible machine.

This wonderful Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster presented here is certainly one of the most honest examples available and is believed to be one of three delivered in this colour combination. The car has benefitted from diligent care of only four owners from new and has been driven sparingly. It is complete with its original engine 8500164. Delivered new to a gentleman by the name of Joseph Bramlette, the car passed to a Mr. Hyatt Cheek, Jr. of Dallas, Texas in 1977. At the time Mr. Cheek acquired the car, the odometer indicated about 28,000 miles. Mr. Cheek was certainly no ordinary individual in the Mercedes-Benz world. He was the President of not only the Gullwing Group International but also President of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.

Mr. Cheek had the car repainted its original colours of Hellblau (light blue or silver blue) metallic by renowned paint shop The Foreign Car Shop in Dallas, Texas. At that time it was also re-trimmed in burgundy leather. In a letter on file Mr. Cheek confirms the mileage of the car and explains that during his ownership he drove the car rather infrequently. His use was limited to visiting local shows and the occasional road trip. During his 30-year ownership until December 2006, he and his beloved 300SL covered less than 7,000 miles.

In 2000 the car was sent to world-renowned Mercedes 300SL specialist Paul Russell and Company in Boston, Massachusetts for some mechanical work. This included repairs to the auxiliary fuel pump, rebuild of the mechanical injection pump, replacement of the rear axle bearings, seals, track rods and much more. Many of the invoices from Paul Russell and Company to Mr. Cheek for this work are on file. In 2004, this car was sold to noted West Coast collector Brendan Gallagher with only 35,033 miles on the odometer. The 300SL had only covered around 1,750 miles before it was sold to the current owner.

This beautiful Mercedes-Benz 300SL has benefitted from diligent and constant maintenance all of its life. Together with its matching fitted luggage and one of the most attractive paint schemes, this Roadster is clearly the connoisseur’s choice. The discriminating collector will not leave the auction without it.

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