The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster represents the pinnacle of post-war automotive luxury and engineering. One of just 1,858 roadsters built during a six-year production run, this specific example—delivered new to Reykjavik, Iceland on October 16, 1958—is a testament to timeless design, meticulous craftsmanship, and enduring performance. This 300SL has undergone two significant refurbishments, the latest of which included a stunning repaint in white and an interior refresh in red leather, preserving its classic allure while ensuring modern reliability. Currently residing in Monaco, this iconic roadster is now offered on consignment with a Monégasque registration, partial service records, and a copy of its original factory delivery note.
An Icon Born: The 300SL Roadster’s Origins
First introduced at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was a direct evolution of the legendary 300SL “Gullwing” coupe. While the Gullwing’s signature doors were a defining feature, the roadster version featured a redesigned tubular space frame with lower sills to allow for traditional front-hinged doors. This roadster, model number 198042, retained the coupe’s high-performance features, including steel bodywork with aluminum panels for key areas like the hood, trunk lid, and doors.
Elegant Exterior and Refined Features
This particular 300SL underwent bodywork and a full repaint in the early 2010s, bringing its exterior back to life with a crisp white finish. The black soft top complements the elegant lines of the car, offering both style and functionality. Exterior details include US-market headlights, front and rear bumper guards, pivot-out door handles, and a left-fender-mounted mirror. The car sits on body-color 15″ steel wheels with matching hubcaps and chrome trim rings, while its braking system is equipped with finned hydraulic drums, providing excellent stopping power.
Luxurious Red Leather Interior
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that exudes vintage luxury. The red leather upholstery—refreshed during the 2010s—covers the bucket seats, door panels, dash, and sills, while color-matched square-weave carpeting lines the floors. The ivory-color steering wheel with a chrome horn ring frames a set of VDO instruments, including a 270-km/h speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer. Other interior features include lap belts, roll-up windows, a locking glovebox, and classic chrome accents throughout the dash. While the radio has been removed, the interior remains a pristine and elegant space for enjoying this timeless roadster.
Power and Performance: The Heart of the 300SL
At the core of this 300SL Roadster lies the revered M198 3.0-liter inline-six engine, renowned for its advanced Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication. This engine, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, delivers power to the rear wheels with smooth and responsive performance. The roadster benefits from Mercedes-Benz’s refined suspension system, featuring a single-pivot rear axle with a compensator spring for improved stability over the coupe’s double-pivot design. With its 305-horsepower engine, this roadster delivers an exhilarating driving experience, marrying vintage charm with modern performance.
Restoration and Provenance
This Mercedes-Benz 300SL was first restored in Germany during the early 1990s before making its way to France and then Italy, where the current owner acquired it in 2011. The car received further refurbishments in the early 2010s, including a repaint, interior refresh, and installation of a new black soft top. The current Monégasque registration and included factory delivery note provide a thorough historical record, ensuring its authenticity and value.
Features at a Glance:
- Engine: 3.0-liter M198 inline-six with Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection
- Transmission: Four-speed manual
- Exterior: White with black soft top
- Interior: Red leather upholstery
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes with finned drums and servo assistance
- Suspension: Independent with single-pivot rear axle
- Notable Features: Body-color wheels with chrome trim rings, US-market headlights, locking fuel door, factory instruments in English
Summary
This 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster stands as an iconic example of Mercedes-Benz engineering excellence. With its powerful engine, luxurious red leather interior, and carefully executed restorations, it offers a rare opportunity to own one of the finest roadsters ever built. Whether admired for its design or driven for its performance, this 300SL is an enduring symbol of classic automotive mastery.
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
