1957 Mercedes-Benz 300-SL Roadster
Price: $ Enquire
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Body
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Convertible
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Transmission
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Manual
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Exterior Color
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Grey metallic
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Upholstery
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Leather
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Steering
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Lhd
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1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster ***Restored & Rare in Australia***
Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale the most fabulous 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster.
The Delivery Note on file confirms that this particular example left the factory on the 28th August 1957. The car’s original colour scheme was ‘feuerwehrrot’ (fire engine red, paint code DB534) with a natural leather interior (trim code 1098) and a black soft top (code 872).
Our interpretation of the ‘Lieferschein’ is that the car left the factory by rail to be displayed at the 1957 International Trade Fair in Zagreb, Yugoslavia which was held in September 1957. This event was quite unique at that time as it was a meeting point of two different political, economic and cultural systems and one of the few places where the ‘east’ and the ‘west’ took to the floor together.
The subsequent very early history of this car is not known, however, it is understood to have been a European delivery. At some stage the car found its way to North America and it has a known history dating back to the 1970’s. There are four noted owners in the 300SL Registry and all lived in California.
There is an invoice on file dated 26th April 1985 which shows the car was sold in Los Angeles, California. At that time it was noted that this 300 SL Roadster was painted black with a tan interior. The car was then sold again to its next owner in 2006. The car remained with him in California until it was purchased by the current Australian owner in 2017.
At that time the car was somewhat tired and he made the decision to have it fully restored. He entrusted well known and very well respected Mercedes-Benz 300 SL restorer Mark Passarelli of Rancho Merced in Salida, Colorado with the task
Passarelli disassembled the car and started with the restoration of the chassis. He also rebuilt all the mechanicals including the engine and gearbox. After that work was finished the car was shipped to Australia for completion.
There is an import approval on file dated 9th December 2020.
When the car arrived into Australia it needed to be painted, trimmed, assembled and commissioned.
The body was removed from the car, stripped down to bare metal, repaired as necessary and repainted, which was done by Status Customs in Albury, NSW. The owner chose to have the car repainted in ‘anthracite metallic‘, which is a stunning and original 300 SL colour (paint code DB172). The interior was retrimmed by Stitched Up Custom Trim in Morriset, NSW.
Passeralli then came to Australia to reassemble the car and finish the project.
The car was finally completed in early 2021 and it was subsequently shown at the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance where it was incredibly well received. The car won its class, the Women’s Choice Award by public ballot and was understood to have been the runner up to Best of Show.
The car has been used sparingly since its restoration and it is immaculate in every regard.
Today the car presents essentially as a freshly restored car. The odometer reads 36,733 km and the car would have travelled less than 1,000 km since it was restored.
The paintwork is even more spectacular in the flesh than it shows in the photos. The 300SL Roadster is one of those cars that carries colour well, however, anthracite grey is simply stunning. All of the chrome work is fresh and compliments the paintwork perfectly. The balance of the external trim, including the lights and lenses present like new. The soft top, which fits very well has never been used and is also like new.
With the top down the beautifully restored interior just presents itself. The colour combination contrasts the exterior paint colour perfectly. The upholstery, carpets, instruments and controls are all in excellent condition.
The engine bay and boot, which is adorned with fitted luggage also present consistently with the rest of the car.
Not surprisingly, this car drives every bit as good as it looks. From both cold and hot the engine starts easily and it is surprisingly quiet. Out on the open road it just cruises along effortlessly. The engine pulls strongly through the rev range, the gear changes are smooth and the car feels tight on the road.
The car comes with a fitted luggage set, wind deflectors, tool kit, jack and a very rare original Becker Mexico radio that works. There is also a factory delivery note, some historical documentation including the last American (California) title and a comprehensive appraisal carried out on the car in 1990 (at which time the odometer is noted at 12,678 km), restoration photos and a file of receipts. There is also an owner’s manual, workshop manual and a copy of a parts manual.
Cars of this calibre are rarer than hen’s teeth in Australia and unfortunately there is only a very small number of Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwings and Roadsters left in this country. With the excessive taxes one has to pay importing cars into Australia it is extremely unlikely that number will increase.
As a result, here is a unique opportunity to acquire this very special car.
Highlights:
Recently restored by well-known 300 SL specialist Mark Passarelli.
Stunning colour scheme.
Matching numbers – chassis, engine and body.
Multiple trophy winner at the 2021 Sydney Concourse d’Elegance.
Ready to show, use and enjoy.
Price: $ Enquire
