Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 1959 for sale

Rare hardtop data cards color combination transmission & differential matching only 29,400 km mileage one of 1,858 vehicles prominent ownership history German registration valuation report the roadster variant of the W198 II series was produced from 1957 to 1963 and is considered one of the most elegant and technically sophisticated creations in the company's history. It was the open development of the legendary 300SL coupe, which became world-famous for its gullwing doors. While the coupe was primarily regarded as a racing car with road approval, the roadster was designed from the beginning for a combination of performance, driving comfort, and stylish elegance. Technically, the 300 SL roadster was largely based on the coupe, but with numerous changes to the frame and chassis. To ensure the necessary rigidity despite the lack of a roof, the tubular frame was reinforced in the area of the doors and the rear. This also allowed for the installation of conventional doors, which made entry significantly more comfortable. Numerous body parts such as the hood, trunk lid, and doors were made of aluminum to keep the weight low despite additional reinforcements. The curb weight was about 1,330 kilograms, only 35 kilograms more than the coupe. The drive was provided by the well-known inline six-cylinder M198 engine with 2,996 cc displacement and mechanical fuel injection. The engine produced 215 hp at 5,800 rpm and enabled a top speed of up to 250 kilometers per hour. Values that only a few production vehicles achieved in the late fifties. The four-speed transmission transferred power to the rear wheels, and the top speed varied depending on the gear ratio and equipment variant. The consumption was about 12.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which was considered remarkably efficient given the performance. The chassis with independent front suspension and a newly developed single-joint swing axle at the rear provided improved handling compared to the coupe. This construction increased driving stability, especially in curves, and was an important step towards comfort without compromising the sporty character of the car. Disc brakes on the front axle were introduced as standard from 1961 and set new standards in safety. The interior of the 300 SL roadster combined sporty functionality with luxurious equipment. Finest leather, chrome details, and a clear arrangement of instruments characterized the image. At the customer's request, the roadster could be equipped with a removable hardtop that transformed the car into a nearly closed coupe. From 1957 to 1963, a total of 1,858 units of the 300SL roadster were produced, making it rarer than the famous gullwing. With its sophisticated chassis, high performance, and successful combination of sportiness and elegance, the W198 II is considered a milestone in the history of Mercedes-Benz. It was the last vehicle of its kind to carry the spirit of the classic 300SL while marking the transition to a new era of luxurious sports cars. To this day, the 300SL roadster is one of the most sought-after classics of the brand and is a symbol of technical perfection and timeless beauty. The history of this roadster began in November 1959 with its completion at the factory in the color combination 534 fire red over black leather. However, according to the delivery note, the vehicle built to US specifications was first delivered to Madrid, Spain. Several years later, in 1975, it came into the possession of Lloyd Ikerd, who registered the car in the American Mercedes-Benz Roadster Club. Ikerd was a collector based in Long Beach, California, who had also owned prototypes of the legendary 300SL. A few years later, the W198 II presumably came into the hands of entrepreneur Bill Harrah, who was the founder of today's "Caesars Entertainment" and owned an impressive collection of over 1,000 vehicles. To manage the collection, Harrah employed over 100 staff, who carried out full restorations of his vehicles, where price was no object. According to Scott Grundfor, this 300SL roadster received a restoration there in the early 80s. It is assumed that after the death of Bill Harrah, the vehicle was sold to his close friend and famous comedian Bill Cosby. In 1986, the engine was replaced due to engine damage. The original transmission, as well as the differential, are still installed today. Cosby's long-term ownership is documented, among other things, by an entry in the Mercedes-Benz Roadster Club in 2007, with residence in Santa Monica, California. During his ownership, renowned specialists such as Scott Grundfor and the Boston Sports Car Company took care of the collector's item.