1959 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

• Unrestored, original example except for some technical overhaul and maintenance; original leather, ‘matching numbers’ engine
• Original, sophisticated colour scheme in black with red interior, black soft top and white coupé roof
• Only four owners in total, 33 years in first ownership
• Original hardtop included
• Data card on delivery specifications available
• Ultimate and timeless style icon with racing genes
• Such excellently preserved original condition is extremely rare today

This Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster was completed at the factory in December 1959 and then delivered to its first owner in California via Mercedes Benz general importer Max Hoffman in New York. According to the available data card and delivery note, the original colour scheme was black (colour code 40) with a red leather interior (colour code 1079) and a black rubber fabric soft top (colour code 872). The equipment included a coupé roof (hardtop) in white (colour code 50), a Becker Mexico radio and five whitewall tyres. The roadster still has the same colour scheme today as when it was delivered.

The first owner kept the car for a full 33 years until 1993. An existing photo album shows several photographs from this period (see next page) and testifies to the first owner's deep attachment to this 300 SL, which was virtually a cherished ‘family member’. The car then ended up in a well-known automobile collection in the USA, where it remained unused for only a few years.

In 1997, the roadster came to Germany and was sold by Eberhard Thiesen to its third owner in the Viersen area (North Rhine-Westphalia). This owner also remained loyal to the 300 SL for a long time, keeping it for a full 21 years. Several invoices for various maintenance work from this period are available. In 2018, the last owner in the Hamburg area acquired the roadster, again through Eberhard Thiesen. There it was part of a collection and in good company with a 300 SL Gullwing and other important Mercedes-Benz models.

Our 300 SL is an original example that has not yet undergone any restoration – apart from a new soft top and some technical maintenance and overhaul work. The red leather interior is still the original as fitted in the factory, with a slight patina. The engine is also the same unit as delivered and has matching numbers. With its ‘Duo Duplex’ braking system, the car features the latest technology in drum brakes of its time.

This 300 SL Roadster impresses with its extremely rare original condition and the small number of owners with a complete history. The attractive colour scheme in black with red leather provides it a sophisticated touch, and the original coupé roof in white is still included today. A great 300 SL Roadster to admire, drive and enjoy.