As Mercedes-Benz’s sensational W194 competition car accumulated wins in international racing beginning in 1952, the clamor grew for the Stuttgart firm to create a road-going version. Fueled by the suggestion from Daimler-Benz’s North American dealer Max Hoffman, the factory introduced the 300 SL Gullwing coupe at the 1954 New York International Auto Show to universal acclaim. Powered by a production version of the race-proven 3.0-liter SOHC straight-six engine of the earlier competition cars, it utilized a revolutionary Bosch direct fuel injection, which increased horsepower by almost 25%.

While the coupe addressed the appetite of the racing-oriented, there was considerable demand for an open version. Although the first prototype was spotted by the German motoring press as early as 1956, the production 300 SL Roadster would not appear for another year. Not merely a derivative version of the Gullwing, the 300 SL Roadster was comprehensively refined and re-engineered with a fresh, dynamic personality all its own.

Only 1,858 of the hand-assembled 300 SL Roadsters were built from 1957 to 1963. Evolution from the Gullwing’s design included lower doorsills and a rear suspension that improved upon the coupe’s handling at the limit, as well as a competition camshaft and increased compression, which gave the Roadster an additional 20 bhp.

The result was one of the most iconic and refined open road cars of all time. The 300 SL Roadster offered here, chassis 002507, was purchased through the Mercedes-Benz European Delivery Program, and is one of approximately 250 examples built in 1960.

The Roadster’s first owner was Robert Czirr of Oak Park, Illinois. His name appears on a copy of the factory build record, as well as on a rarely seen, original German motor vehicle traffic Authorization Certificate, which was issued to Mr. Czirr in February 1960 for the miles he drove in Europe following the factory delivery of his new white Roadster. After Mr. Czirr imported it to the US, via Mercedes-Benz’s South Bend, Indiana distributorship, it was later acquired by Lawrence Wilkinson of Stratford, Connecticut, who held it for more than a decade before Wayne Drapeau of Huntington Bay, New York, purchased it in 1986. Mr. Drapeau sold it in 2004 to Sandy Chandra, who later commissioned Scott Grundfor Company of Arroyo Grande, California, for its restoration. As the work progressed, Scott Grundfor purchased the Roadster from Mr. Chandra.

Grundfor, who has served as the restoration editor for the Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s The Star magazine and as a judge at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® since 1989, is an acknowledged expert in the restoration of 300 SLs worldwide, his cars having earned numerous concours trophies.

In undertaking the restoration of 002507, Grundfor and his team strove to preserve the unrepeatable characteristics of the factory assembly, performing a body-on restoration that would retain the car’s original “live” road feel. According to notes on file, the body surface was stripped to bare metal and a respray was completed in the original White (DB 050G) using German Glasurit paint. A correct Dark Blue leather interior was crafted by master upholsterer Jon Cumpton, with a matching blue German canvas soft top, square-weave wool carpeting, and correct rubber floor mats. The Roadster’s original engine was refurbished by Mercedes-Benz specialist Mark Wright, and the engine compartment has been properly detailed, with painting and replating of various components. Further, brake, cooling, and fuel systems were addressed as needed. A new stainless steel exhaust system was fitted, and the exterior chrome was triple-plated, as original. A Becker Mexico radio as well as a Hirschmann antenna are in place.

In 2016, the Roadster joined the growing collection of the consignor, and though its outings have been infrequent, it has been started and detailed regularly. Expertly restored and handsomely appointed in its factory-delivered colors, this iconic, race-derived Mercedes-Benz is the perfect choice to exhibit or rally, and collectors almost universally agree that no collection is truly complete without a 300 SL. Indeed, the universal acclaim bestowed upon the 300 SL at its debut continues to this day.