1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Serviced by respected specialist Martin Cushway Engineering
• Restored to concours standard
  
• Recent full engine rebuild
  

Few post-war automobiles have achieved the universal acclaim or lasting prestige of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Introduced in 1957, it represented the natural evolution of the celebrated Gullwing Coupé, offering the same exceptional engineering and exhilarating performance in a more versatile open-top configuration. Unveiled to an enthusiastic reception, the Roadster appealed to discerning enthusiasts who sought uncompromising sporting credentials without sacrificing comfort or practicality. Powered by Mercedes-Benz's remarkable mechanically fuel-injected 3.0 litre straight-six engine, the Roadster remained one of the fastest production cars of its day. Beneath its elegant bodywork lay an advanced tubular spaceframe chassis, while significant revisions to the rear suspension transformed the car's handling characteristics, delivering greater stability, improved ride quality and increased confidence at speed. The adoption of conventional front-hinged doors also made entry and exit far easier than in the Gullwing, creating a cabin better suited to both everyday driving and extended continental touring. When new, the 300 SL Roadster occupied the very pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz range. Its substantial purchase price reflected the extraordinary level of engineering, craftsmanship and exclusivity that defined the model, placing it firmly among the world's most desirable high-performance automobiles. It was equally at home crossing Europe at sustained high speeds as it was arriving outside the finest hotels on the Riviera, effortlessly blending competition-derived technology with refinement and elegance. The Roadster has since become one of the most coveted collector cars of the twentieth century. Its combination of timeless styling, technical sophistication and direct connection to Mercedes-Benz's remarkable motorsport achievements has ensured enduring demand among enthusiasts worldwide. Few classics possess such broad appeal, admired as much for their engineering significance as for their unmistakable presence and driving experience.

This magnificent 300 SL Roadster has been the subject of a full restoration, with the objective of returning the car to the condition expected of such a rare and prestigious vehicle. The restoration was commissioned by and overseen by DD Classics ensuring that the work was completed with the level of care and attention that cars of this stature require. To be expected, attention to detail is everything when restoring a car, panel gaps are one of the hardest things to get right, the ones on this car are exceptionally uniform. The Grey-blue (Blaugrau DB166) coachwork is finished to an exemplary standard, as is the Hermès tan leather interior. The correct pattern on the seats is essential, showing great attention to detail. The engine bay has been restored and shows the correct decals. The engine has recently been rebuilt and runs very well. To be expected from such a high-quality restoration, authenticity is paramount and sets the car away from the crowd. This is one of the best 300 SL Roadsters on the market today, viewing for the discerning buyer is highly recommended.

Approaching seven decades since its debut, fine examples are increasingly difficult to find, the 300 SL Roadster remains one of the defining classics of any serious collection. Consigned by Stewart Banks.