• From the first year of Roadster production; one of 554 examples built during 1957
• Finished in its factory shade of Graphite Grey over reupholstered dark green leather
• Retains its matching-numbers body, chassis, and 2,996-cc straight-six engine
• North American-specification car bought by the Germany-based consignor in 1986
• History file includes a copy of the original delivery card

As production of the 300 SL Gullwing came to an end in 1957, Mercedes-Benz introduced a convertible counterpart. The fantastically elegant Roadster would be built through to 1963, and engineers were tasked with far more than simply fitting a folding soft-top roof. The lightweight, welded steel chassis was substantially altered to cater for more conventional doors featuring rolldown windows, plus the fitment of a new rear axle that improved comfort while reducing the propensity for oversteer. Revised head and taillights updated the already-glamourous styling, while a smaller fuel tank created room for a more capacious boot. Combined with an output of 218 PS, these modifications underlined the Roadster’s credentials as a consummate sporting grand tourer.

Records show that 554 examples of the Roadster model were completed during the first year of production, including the North American-specification car offered here, which hails from the tail end of 1957. A copy of the original delivery card details that chassis 198.042.7500672 was finished by the factory in Graphite Grey, while the interior was trimmed in optional Cream leather. Arriving in the USA on 25 November 1958, a Becker Mexico radio and whitewall tyres were also selected.

According to Eric Le Moine’s 300 SL registry, chassis 198.042.7500672 was owned on the West Coast by Mr Tom McBurney of Santa Barbara in California. Fittingly for a Roadster, it remained on the state’s coastline, being acquired in 1974 by financier Mr Alfred T Moret in Carlsbad. This example was then bought by The Aumann Collection, who imported the car to Germany in 1986 to add to an illustrious collection.

Subsequently reupholstered with the current dark green leather, the car is fitted with its matching-numbers body, chassis, and 3-litre straight-six engine. Please note that it appears as though the front chassis crossmember has been replaced at some point in the car’s life, but all other numbers match.

Further complemented by a history file, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster could be returned to its factory colour combination by its next owner. Alternatively, the car is ready to be enjoyed in its current form by virtue of offering the ultimate droptop driving experience.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mu24/.