1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

Chassis 198.042.7500603

Mercedes-Benz factory build records indicate that this early US model 300SL Roadster, order number 890 159 was completed on December 27^th, 1957 and sent by rail to Hamacher in Hamburg. Hamacher handled many of the overseas shipments for Mercedes-Benz at the time and the company still exists today. This Roadster would have arrived by sea to the San Francisco branch of the Studebaker-Packard Corporation, who were the Mercedes-Benz distributors. This order was likely specified by a customer as it came new with a top-of-the-line Becker Mexico Radio, and was special ordered in black paint (DB 040) over a red leather interior (1079) and with a black soft top.

Today it is very attractively finished in Black (DB 040) with a tan interior. Not only has it benefitted from recent cosmetic refinishing, it has also undergone extensive mechanical maintenance and is one of the best driving 300SL Roadsters we’ve owned. Importantly, the chassis, body and engine numbers match the factory build sheet.

After an early life presumed to have been spent on the West Coast, the 300 SL was restored in 2000 to concours standards while in the care of its previous owner, Chuck Mountain. Mountain was an owner and former engineer at Kar Kraft Engineering and was highly involved in many of Ford’s successful factory racing efforts during the 1960s and 1970s. He hired an employee from Mercedes-Benz Classic Center to help restore his SL, and most of the work was done in his facility with parts purchased from Paul Russell & Co. Mountain went with the period correct 300SL color Medium Red (DB 516) over a Tan Leather interior. Once the restoration was complete, the 300 SL was driven only a few hundred miles.

In preparation for touring events, Canepa Design spent over 250 hours on the car, addressing mechanical servicing and cosmetic detailing. This Roadster participated in the 2015 California Mille, after which the 300 SL returned to Canepa for further sorting. In 2016 it completed the California Mille once again, proving what a great choice this 300 SL roadster is for long-distance events.

In 2019 the Roadster was first sent to Virtuoso Performance of Hayward, California, for a no-expense-spared service and mechanical overview. The ignition, timing, braking, and fuel-delivery systems were all attended to as needed, ensuring this 300 SL drives as well as it looks. It was then sent to Coachwerks in Victoria, BC, Canada, where it was repainted in the original Black finish (DB 040). A two-piece set of fitted luggage for the trunk is included, as well as a tool roll and several binders of extensive service history and photos.

This 300SL Roadster has benefitted from a highly-skilled restoration as well as proactive maintenance and care from three highly reputable workshops. Having proven itself a highly competent entrant twice on the California Mille, this Roadster is an excellent choice for anyone who desires an open top 300SL for future events.