A meticulously restored 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, one of the most iconic sports cars of the 20th century, is set to take center stage at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction in August 2024. Estimated to sell for between $2,600,000 and $3,200,000 USD, this extraordinary vehicle is not only a stunning example of automotive design but also one of the rarest configurations ever produced.
A Rare and Coveted Collector’s Gem
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, introduced in 1957, is a car that has long been celebrated for its combination of elegance, power, and engineering brilliance. This particular example, chassis number 198.042.7500364, is one of just 30 Roadsters that were factory-equipped with the highly sought-after Rudge wheels. Even more uniquely, it is one of only two known to have been delivered with a factory hardtop, making it an exceptional find for collectors.
Finished in its original factory color combination of Black (040) over Natural (1068) leather, this Roadster retains its numbers-matching engine, body, chassis, front axles, and gearbox. The car also comes with its original Karl Baisch luggage, a complete tool set, and all five original date-matched Rudge wheels from September 1957.
Provenance and Award-Winning Restoration
This 300 SL Roadster boasts an illustrious history, having been owned by several prominent collectors over the decades. Among its notable past owners was Don Ricardo, a famous conductor and Mercedes-Benz enthusiast known for his impressive collection of classic cars. During his ownership, the car was a prized possession, sharing space with other legendary Mercedes-Benz models.
In 2012, the car underwent an extensive, multi-year restoration by the renowned marque specialist Bob Platz of Precision Autoworks. This restoration was carried out with painstaking attention to detail, ensuring that the Roadster not only retained its original features but also met the highest standards of concours-level quality. The restoration included refinishing the car in its factory-correct colors and carefully preserving 1957-specific features, such as the distinctive radiator shell, early roadster red dash indicators, and the Gullwing-type trunk emblem.
The quality of the restoration has been widely recognized in the classic car community, with the Roadster earning numerous accolades, including Best in Class at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. It has also been featured on the cover of The Star magazine and won several other prestigious awards, further solidifying its status as one of the finest examples of the 300 SL Roadster in existence.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is not just a car; it is a piece of automotive history that embodies the glamour and innovation of its era. With its rare Rudge wheels, factory hardtop, and impeccable restoration, this Roadster is a must-have for any serious collector. Its combination of rarity, provenance, and concours-winning restoration makes it a unique investment opportunity, and it is expected to draw significant interest when it crosses the auction block in Monterey.
Whether driven in vintage rallies, displayed at prestigious events, or enjoyed as part of a private collection, this 300 SL Roadster offers the chance to own one of the most celebrated sports cars of all time.
THE ANNUAL RETURN TO MONTEREY CAR WEEK, WHERE EXEMPLARY, REMARKABLE, AND RARE ARE THE RULE WITHOUT EXCEPTIONS
Fewer collaborations or duos as notable as, say, Laurel and Hardy, Schumacher and Ferrari, or even Mercedes-Benz and AMG grace our paths. But one dynamic duo continues its annual return to California’s Monterey Peninsula for its 27th year: Monterey Car Week and RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction held on August 15-17.
2023’s auction brought the much-storied Lost and Found Collection, the ultimate barn find of 20 Ferraris lost to time, including the 1954 Ferrari Mondial Spider Series I by Pinin Farina, which as the second Mondial ever made, even in its stripped-down and fire-stricken condition, made waves in the automotive circles and press when it earned 1.875 million at auction.
Over the course of the 2023 Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s sold five of the top 10 selling cars of the week– more than any other auction house on the peninsula. It further solidifies our commitment to bringing to market pristine and exemplary automobiles as the world’s leading auction house, during a week dedicated to showcasing the very best of the best. Find us again at the Monterey Conference Center for another year of exceptional offerings crossing the block.
AUCTION LOCATION
Monterey Conference Center
1 Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
PUBLIC PREVIEW
Admission to Public Preview is $60 per person for the weekend. Passes can be purchased onsite at the entrance to the plaza.
Admission to Public Preview is free for onsite bidders, consignors, and qualified media.
Elizabeth Puckett
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