Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Munich event, 18 October 2025.
€1, 000, 000 - €1, 500, 000 EUR
The 217th of 324 examples built in 1958
Fitted with its matching-numbers engine and coachwork
Benefits from a short chain of three documented private owners since 1976, including a 35-year period of single-family ownership
Substantially restored by a Vienna-based specialist between 2023 and 2025
Documented with Mercedes-Benz build records, German TÜV and DEKRA certificates, registration documents, prior bill of sale, and restoration/ service invoices
Accompanied by Hepco fitted luggage and tool roll
A beautifully presented example of Stuttgart’s celebrated roadster
According to Mercedes-Benz production records, this handsome 300 SL Roadster was completed in April 1958 finished in White paint over an interior trimmed in Black leather. Specified with fully chrome-plated wheels, safety seat belts, a rear axle ratio of 3. 25:1, a Becker radio with antenna, and faux leather fitted luggage, chassis number 8500217 was sold new to the Bielenberg company of Cologne, Germany.
Although the 300 SL’s early history is currently unknown, by 1974 the Roadster was owned by Fred Kowalski. From him, the car passed in 1975 to H E Mottmann. In March 1976, the Mercedes-Benz found more lasting ownership when it was acquired by Fritz Pohl. Per a report written by his brother Karl Heinz Pohl, who would assume ownership in 1994, the car had since been painted in light green and the radio changed.
The 300 SL apparently spent much of the next 23 years in storage before, in 1999, Karl Heinz began to have it overhauled. Following the car being repainted silver, Mr Pohl tasked specialist Stefan Weinstock with performing maintenance, including replacing the exhaust system and front shock absorbers. The owner then enjoyed the car in a small number of local rallies over the next 10 years.
In November 2011, after 35 years of single-family ownership, the Mercedes-Benz was sold via Mr Weinstock to Herbert Grönemeyer, one of Germany’s most famous and successful rock musicians. As reflected by numerous invoices on file, Mr Grönemeyer invested in significant restoration measures over the years, initially retaining Stefan Weinstock and later entrusting the car to HK Engineering.
In January 2023, Mr Grönemeyer sold the Roadster to the current owner, a collector based in Austria. In their care, the 300 SL has benefitted from further restoration by Auto Wien Mitte of Vienna from March 2023 to June 2025, including a rebuild of the engine (with a reconditioned cylinder head and crankshaft), gearbox, and clutch, repairs to the fuel pump and axles, and the fitment of new Michelin tyres. According to invoices on file, this work totalled over €178, 000.
It is important to note that mechanical stampings corresponding to factory records demonstrate that this Mercedes-Benz retains its matching-numbers engine and coachwork. It is also accompanied by a colour-matching hard-top. Having spent almost its entire life in the fastidious care of dedicated German enthusiasts, including 35 years of single-family ownership, and 10 years of custody by one of the country’s most legendary musicians, this 300 SL unsurprisingly remains in a very desirable state. The car is, furthermore, ideally documented back to 1974 with German TÜV and DEKRA certificates, prior bills of sale, and numerous restoration invoices, in addition to the factory build records.
Claiming just three documented owners since 1976, this fabulous and sympathetically restored 300 SL Roadster is a highly authentic example that would make a magnificent addition to any collection.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys. com/ auctions/ mu25/.
