Widely regarded as one of the greatest open sportscars of all time, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster has consistently been a favorite amongst the most notable car collectors around the world. However, this 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is arguably one of the most desirable units out of the 1,858 units that were produced between 1957 and 1963. This early example with the rarest factory specifications is soon going to cross the auction block, giving connoisseurs a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history.
This jaw-dropping 300 SL Roadster is one of only 30 Roadsters factory-equipped with ultra-desirable, competition-derived Rudge Wheels, of which only two are known to have hardtops. Just to give you an idea of how rare this particular is, there are more aluminum-bodied 300 SL Gullwings in existence than this specially optioned version of the 300 SL Roadster. Mind-blowingly, all five of the original date-matched Rudge wheels from September 1957 still accompany this incredible Roadster to this day.
According to the factory data, this particular example, chassis no. 7500364, is a special-ordered, US-delivery car that originally featured a glossy black exterior, natural leather interior, sealed-beam headlights, matching Karl Baisch luggage, Becker Mexico radio, English instruments, and Rudge wheels. Over the years, the 300 SL Roadster changed hands several times. Its ownership includes the famous conductor and Mercedes-Benz enthusiast Don Ricardo, who had it for several years.
Till 2012, the prized 300 SL remained in a highly original, unrestored condition, regularly maintained by the renowned marque specialist Bob Platz of Precision Autoworks in Camden, New Jersey. The car’s prior owner commissioned Platz’s world-famous team to execute a Concours-winning restoration that took more than two years. The highly detailed restoration preserved the original color combination, and the car’s prized Rudge wheels and factory hardtop were painted to match its iconic bodywork.
Thanks to the top-notch work done by Platz, it won multiple Best-in-Class awards at prestigious events, including the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Being a 1957 example of the iconic car, it is one of very few 300 SL Roadsters eligible as “guest list” participants for the exclusive Mille Miglia road rally. The car will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at the upcoming Monterey Car Week and is expected to sell anywhere between $2.6 million to $3.2 million.
