The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster represents the peak of mid-century grand touring, offering a more refined and usable alternative to its “Gullwing” predecessor. This specific chassis, 9500067, carries a narrative that is as impressive as its mechanical pedigree. Originally used as a dealer demonstrator, it was gifted to a pioneering pediatric surgeon and remained under his family’s stewardship for over five decades. During this remarkable span, the car earned prestigious 250,000 and 500,000-kilometer high-mileage badges from Mercedes-Benz, a testament to both the car’s legendary durability and the dedication of its long-term owners.
Stripped to Bare Metal and Refinished in Silver
The silhouette of the W198 roadster is a masterclass in steel and aluminum craftsmanship, featuring lowered sills and conventional doors for improved accessibility. Between 2011 and 2013, the body was removed from its tubular space frame and stripped to bare metal by the Scott Grundfor Company. The project included precision welding repairs and a meticulous repaint in the original shade of DB180 Silver. Exterior highlights include US-market headlights, chrome-finished 15-inch steel wheels with body-color hubcaps, and a dark brown soft top. Fender louvers with grooved accent lines extend across the doglegs, emphasizing the aerodynamic flow that made the 300SL a global design icon.
Brown Leather and Square-Weave Sophistication
Inside the cabin, the original red upholstery was replaced with a rich brown leather during the refurbishment, covering the bucket seats, dashboard, and center tunnel. The floor is lined with matching brown square-weave carpeting, and the dashboard retains its classic VDO instrumentation, including a 160-mph speedometer. Interior amenities are period-correct and functional, featuring a Becker Mexico radio, a dash-mounted ashtray, and a lockable glovebox. The ivory-color steering wheel was replaced during the project to maintain a pristine tactile connection for the driver. This cockpit balances the utilitarian needs of a high-mileage roadster with the luxurious appointments expected of a Mercedes-Benz flagship.
Bosch Fuel Injection and Overhauled M198 Power
The heart of this roadster is the 3.0-liter M198 inline-six, a technical marvel featuring Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection and a dry-sump lubrication system. The engine produces an estimated 225 hp / 228 PS and 202 lb-ft / 274 Nm of torque. During the 2011-2013 overhaul, the engine received a replacement cylinder head to ensure peak compression and reliability. Power is managed by a fully synchronized four-speed manual transmission and a low-pivot rear swing axle, a design choice that significantly improved the roadster’s handling stability over the earlier coupes. Servo-assisted four-wheel aluminum drum brakes provide reliable stopping power, reflecting the car’s readiness for long-distance rally events.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L M198 Inline-Six |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Chassis Number | 198042-10-9500067 |
| Brakes | Servo-Assisted Finned Drums |
| Wheels | 15″ Chrome-Finished Steel |
| Tires | Pirelli Cinturato 165VR15 |
Concours Pedigree and Historical Significance
In the global collector car market, the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is a blue-chip asset that competes with the likes of the Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet and the Aston Martin DB4. However, the 300SL offers a unique selling point in its race-derived fuel injection and robust engineering that encourages actual road use. This specific example is highly distinguished by its participation in prestigious events like The Quail and the California Mille. With over $500,000 invested in its most recent refurbishment and documented history spanning six decades, it represents an elite tier of the 1,858 roadsters ever built.
A Turn-Key Icon with Documented Excellence
Purchasing a 300SL with this level of mechanical and historical transparency is a rare opportunity for serious investors. The inclusion of the 500,000-kilometer high-mileage badge and the transcribed interview with the original owner provides a layer of soul often missing from clinical restorations. Recent fluid changes in August 2025 ensure the car is mechanically ready for its next journey, whether that be on a concours lawn or a thousand-mile rally. This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL is not just a masterpiece of automotive design; it is a survivor that has earned its place as one of the most storied roadsters in the Gullwing Group registry.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: bringatrailer.com
