Chassis no. 198.042.7500473
Engine no. 198.980.7500513
Estimate: US$1,200,000 - US$1,400,000 / £890,000 - £1,000,000
Part of the Mullin Collection for nearly 30 years - 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
235bhp at 6,100rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Swing Axle, Coil Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Owned by Peter and Merle Mullin for 30 years
*Lovely silver over dark green leather upholstery
*Retains original numbers-matching engine
*A veteran of long-distance tours
*Reportedly maintained by German Motor Car Service of Santa Monica
*An excellent candidate for long-distance tours and rallies
*Accompanied by the Mercedes-Benz Data Card
*November 1957 build date, assuring broad event eligibility
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL ROADSTER
Any discussion of the greatest automobiles of all time must certainly include the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Initially conceived as a purebred racing car, the 300SL "Gullwing" racked up victories across Europe and the Americas and captured the attention of one Max Hoffman, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz automobiles to the USA.
Faced with burgeoning demand from wealthy clients in the critical US market, the ever-compelling Hoffman managed to persuade the board of directors in Stuttgart to develop the 300SL for the road. Quite remarkably, the road car remained faithful to the original concept, retaining its complex tubular space frame chassis designed by Rudolph Uhlenhaut, necessitating the signature "gullwing" doors – and birthing an icon in the process. Despite its eye-watering asking price of $11,000 in 1955, Mercedes-Benz shifted 1,400 Gullwing Coupes, making it a tremendous success.
Hoffman again put himself at the apex of the project, analyzing feedback from American buyers and relaying it to the top brass in Germany. His instincts had proven consistently accurate, and the factory readily entertained Hoffman's ideas. Max suggested that a convertible would rejuvenate sales and allow engineers to address some of the coupe's shortcomings. The resulting 300SL Roadster was much more than a Gullwing with the roof lopped off; it was thoroughly re-engineered and redesigned. The roadster utilized a lower pivot point of the swing axle, which calmed the coupe's penchant for high-speed snap oversteer. While the space frame chassis remained, it was modified to accommodate traditional doors that made ingress much more civilized, particularly for beskirted occupants.
The production run of 1,858 300SL Roadsters through 1963 again demonstrated Max Hoffman's market prowess. While slightly heavier and softer than its coupe counterpart, the 300SL Roadster has emerged as the driver's choice thanks to finely honed dynamics, and it is little wonder why roadster values have caught up to the Gullwing in recent years.
THE CAR OFFERED
The 300SL Roadster offered here is a US-delivery example that spent three decades as a cherished member of the late Peter Mullin's world-famous car collection. According to the previous title on file, it was purchased by Mullin in approximately 1991, and it remained in the collection until his passing. It is said that Peter drove it frequently around Southern California, and particularly enjoyed the drive from home to his museum in Oxnard, California, while it was first being constructed. In more recent years, Peter and his wife, Merle, enjoyed the SL on numerous multi-day tours and rallies around the world.
The accompanying data card shows this car was originally finished in Hellblau (DB 334) with blue leather (code 333). It was refinished in German Racing Silver prior to joining the Mullin Collection, and its green leather interior and canvas top provide a beautiful complement to the traditional paint shade. The leather, paintwork, and engine compartment display a pleasingly light and honest patina that readily invites on-road enjoyment. The presentation is tidy, including under the hood were the magnificent race-bred 3-liter inline-six resides. The engine serial number corresponds with the data card, indicating the original block.
Reportedly maintained by German Motor Car Services of Santa Monica for many years, this 300 SL has enjoyed a cherished life as part of the world-famous collection, and it remains an appealing proposition for the driving enthusiast. Please note that this SL was in storage for an extended period and may require recommissioning prior to enjoyment.
Having provided thousands of memorable miles on tour, it is now ready for a new custodian to continue its legacy. Thanks to its desirable 1957 build date, this car is widely eligible for many prestigious driving events where it would undoubtedly be a welcome entry.
Text & Image: Bonhams
Footnotes
Please note that this car is titled as a 1960 under VIN. 300SL7500473. The correct chassis number is 198.042.7500473, and the build date per the data card is November 25, 1957.
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