Description
According to Mercedes-Benz production records, this attractive 300 SL Roadster was completed in April 1958. It was originally painted white and equipped with black leather interior. The equipment included fully chromed wheels, safety belts, a 3. 25:1 rear axle ratio, a Becker radio with aerial, and a leatherette toolbox set.
Little is known about the early history of the 300 SL at present. By 1974 at the latest the roadster was in the hands of Fred Kowalski. From him the car passed to H. E. Mottmann in 1975. In March 1976 the Mercedes-Benz finally found a longer-term owner when it was acquired by Fritz Pohl. According to a report by his brother Karl Heinz Pohl, who took over the car in 1994, the car had already been repainted in light green and the radio had been replaced at that time.
The 300 SL apparently spent much of the following 23 years in a garage before Karl Heinz Pohl began having it overhauled in 1999. After the vehicle was repainted silver, Mr. Pohl commissioned the specialist Stefan Weinstock to carry out maintenance work, including the exhaust system replacement and the front shock absorbers. Subsequently the owner participated with the car in local rallies for about ten years.
In November 2011, after 35 years of ownership by the same family, the Mercedes-Benz was sold via Stefan Weinstock to Herbert Grönemeyer, one of Germany’s best-known and most successful rock musicians. As evidenced by numerous invoices, Grönemeyer invested heavily in restoration work in the following years. Initially he continued to work with Stefan Weinstock, later entrusting the vehicle to the renowned specialist HK Engineering.
In January 2023 Grönemeyer sold the roadster to the current owner, a collector from Austria. During his ownership the 300 SL benefited from a further extensive restoration by Auto Wien Mitte between March 2023 and June 2025. The engine (with a refurbished cylinder head and crankshaft), transmission and clutch were rebuilt, the fuel pump and axles were repaired, and new Michelin tyres were fitted. According to the invoices on file, the cost of these works exceeded €178, 000.
What is particularly noteworthy is that mechanical stamps matching the factory records confirm that this Mercedes-Benz still retains its original “Matching Numbers” engine as well as the original bodyshell. In addition, a colour-matched hardtop is included with the car.
Having spent almost its entire life in the careful care of dedicated German enthusiasts – including 35 years with a family and ten years with one of the country’s most legendary musicians – this 300 SL today presents in an exceptionally desirable condition. Moreover, the vehicle is well documented: the history can be traced back to 1974 via German TÜV and DEKRA certificates, earlier purchase agreements, numerous restoration invoices, and the original factory records.
With only three documented owners since 1976, this superb and sympathetically restored 300 SL Roadster represents an extremely authentic example – and a tremendous addition to any significant car collection.
