Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, 1959
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR•
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Chassis No.: 19804210002448
- Exterior: Black
- Interior: Red
- Body: Roadster
- 1 of 211 300SL Roadsters produced for 1959
- Finished in Black over Red leather interior
- Matching numbers 2996cc engine with Bosch Fuel Injection
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- 4-corner independent suspension
- Hydraulic drum brakes
- Comprehensive bare metal restoration preformed by Rudi and Company
- 15-inch chrome wheels with center hubcaps
Largely based on the W198 300SL Gullwing, itself derived from Mercedes-Benz’s mighty W194 racing cars of the earlier 1950s, the 300SL Roadster was internally designated “W198 II” and ushered in myriad internal updates while maintaining the sleek basic design cues and fabulous performance of its closed predecessor. As with the Gullwing, development and production of the open-air 300SL Roadster were advocated for by famed New York-based Mercedes-Benz importer Max Hoffman.
Built around a revised and strengthened, yet startlingly lightweight, spaceframe chassis, the 300SL Roadster featured easier entry and exit than the Gullwing with conventional front-hinged doors, a more pleasant ride, and more forgiving handling characteristics, all the while retaining the sporting driving dynamics and character demanded by enthusiasts. A revised camshaft profile delivered additional power in concert with the new higher-octane gasoline that became available during the latter 1950s, offsetting a minor weight penalty in return for the Roadster’s top-quality cloth convertible top, which disappeared neatly beneath a hard boot cover.
Just 1,858 examples were produced from 1957 through 1962, with assembly completed largely by hand. One of just 211 300SL Roadsters produced for 1959, this specimen benefits handsomely from a comprehensive bare-metal restoration performed by renowned 300SL expert Rudi Konicek of Rudi and Company on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Visually striking in black over red leather, this 300SL Roadster importantly features a matching-numbers 2996cc inline 6-cylinder engine with Bosch fuel injection and competition-type dry-sump oiling.
Of course, other mechanical highlights of this legendary Mercedes-Benz include a 4-speed manual gearbox, fully independent suspension and hydraulic drum brakes all around, with a gorgeous set of 15-inch chrome wheels mounting hubcaps featuring the iconic Mercedes-Benz Star logo. Gleaming chrome and brightwork, jewel-like instruments, proper factory-type controls, a detailed engine compartment and other fine details heighten the abundant curb appeal of this compelling and rare 300SL Roadster. A design and engineering achievement with renowned performance and driving dynamics, the 300SL Roadster rightly enjoys high standing on virtually every ranking of the world’s best Sports/GT cars.
This Rudi Konicek-restored example stands tall in this rarefied space and will surely provide an ideal entry into a wide array of concours, shows and classic tours.
https://www.mecum.com/lots/520593/1959-mercedes-benz-300sl-roadster/
