A highly original Mercedes-Benz 300SL with an uncommon backstory is coming to auction, drawing attention from collectors who value preservation over restoration. The car is scheduled to cross the block at Artcurial in Paris later this month and stands out not for cosmetic perfection, but for its remarkable originality and documented history.
The spotlight on preservation-class vehicles intensified after the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance awarded top honors to an unrestored Bugatti Type 59 Sports. That moment reinforced the growing appeal of historically intact cars that show age, use, and continuity rather than modern refinishing. This 300SL fits squarely within that philosophy.
The Mercedes was originally ordered in Paris through the Royal-Elysées garage and delivered new to Claude Foussier, a prominent businessman known for introducing Coca-Cola to Europe. Beyond his commercial success, Foussier was an accomplished competitive shooter who competed at the Olympic level twice and claimed multiple European championships. He was also known for his enthusiasm for performance cars and bespoke specifications.
Foussier’s 300SL reflects that mindset. While standard examples produced around 215 horsepower, this car was equipped with a straight-six engine built to NSL specification, featuring a specially ground camshaft and higher compression that increased output to approximately 240 horsepower when new. Additional factory choices included centerlock Rudge wheels and sport-tuned springs and dampers, giving the car a more focused character well ahead of its time.
The car changed hands in 1961 when Foussier sold it to a specialist dealer, after which it was acquired by Parisian businessman John Piger. Piger retained ownership for more than five decades, and the car is believed to have remained roadworthy into the 1990s. In 2014, it was sold again, started easily with fresh fuel and a new battery, and left mechanically and cosmetically untouched by its current owner.
In a notable coincidence, the present owner resides at the same address once occupied by Foussier, bringing the car’s story full circle. Throughout its life, successive caretakers resisted restoration, preserving both the car’s physical condition and its layered history.
With its originality, period performance upgrades, and documented lineage, the 300SL offers more than mechanical significance. It represents a tangible record of postwar European motoring culture and is expected to attract significant interest when it appears at auction.
Via Artcurial
