An incredibly rare 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is up for auction on Bring a Trailer.
With just 1858 units ever produced, the 300SL remains a symbol of Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess and luxury heritage.
This specific example, located in Hamburg, Germany, has an intriguing history and boasts a blend of originality and updates.
Debuting in 1957, the 300SL Roadster was an evolution of the iconic Gullwing coupe. It carried a 3.0-litre M198 straight-six engine equipped with advanced fuel injection - a groundbreaking feature in the late 1950s.
The engine, derived from the W194 race car, was tilted to fit under the low-profile bonnet and incorporated a dry-sump lubrication system. With a top speed of 257km/h, the 300SL was the fastest production car of its era, appealing to affluent buyers seeking cutting-edge performance.
Unlike the Gullwing, the Roadster featured conventional doors, enabled by a redesigned tubular frame.
The lightweight aluminium components complemented its steel bodywork, ensuring an ideal balance of performance and elegance. The model introduced features such as independent suspension and servo-assisted brakes, marking it as a forward-thinking sports car.
Chassis number 8500114 has spent its life in Germany, with its current owner acquiring it from his father five years ago. Over that period, only 3,200 kilometres were added, bringing the odometer to 88,000km.
While largely original, the car features a replacement M198 engine, though the number stamp is unreadable. The original Light Ivory paint was resprayed to silver, and the Kukuk evaluation report highlights minor imperfections, including a paint thickness chart. The 205/70 Michelin XWX tyres, dating from 2004, may require replacement for regular road use.
This rare Roadster is offered with a July 2024 evaluation report and German registration. At the time of writing, the bidding sits at US$625,000 (around NZ$, but final prices could climb into the millions, given the model’s desirability among collectors.
With its blend of engineering brilliance and historical significance, this 300SL Roadster is a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to own a piece of automotive history.
