Description
The first 300SL Roadster rolled off the Stuttgart production line after the unexpected success of the 300SL Gullwing that was released three years earlier in 1954 at the New York Motor Show.
Developed from the W194 race car, New York importer Max Hoffman saw the potential for the 300SL in the American market and insisted that the factory built a road going version and thus, the W198 300SL ‘Gullwing’ was born. Still very much taking its DNA from its race heritage, the Coupe retained the very high sills and fixed position windows that could not be wound down.
When the 300SL Roadster was unveiled at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, it offered a revised and more practical two seater sports car. A revised chassis allowed for lower sills and normal doors whilst still retaining the motorsport derived tubular design. The Roadster was still built around the revolutionary direct injection, straight six, 3. 0-litre engine, tilted 50 degrees over to keep the aerodynamics and centre of gravity down, yet it had more power than its Coupe predecessor with the upgraded camshaft fitted as standard equipment.
The rear end saw the most revisions, with a redesign and new fuel tank allowing for a conventional boot and luggage space with the spare wheel tucked underneath the floor. Wider wheels, upgraded torsion bars and an all new single joint rear axle made for a much more predictable and neutral car to drive with the 300SL’s being known to significantly oversteer. Before production ceased in 1963 after 6 years, just 1, 858 cars would be built.
This particular 300SL Roadster was manufactured in September 1960 and left the factory finished in DB166 Blue Grey. The interior was finished in Black leather with a matching black boucle weave (1090) carpet.
Supplied originally to the US, the car was imported to the UK in 1996 and formed part of the recognizable collection of Lord Irvine Laidlaw. Before importation the car was subject to a total body-off restoration under the close supervision of SL expert John Olson. Not much is known about the cars ownership prior to entering the UK.
During restoration the cars totally factory matching numbers components were retained including engine, gearbox, 3. 89 rear axle, steering box and both left and right king pins.
In more recent years the car has benefited from a comprehensive full engine rebuild by Riedling and Mouser in 2025 which included pre-installation ‘dyno’ testing and sign off. The car has since covered very minimal mileage and remains incredibly fresh.
As the car sits today it has been through the trusted Hilton & Moss workshop with our Mercedes-Benz expert technician’s restoring the car to its original factory colourway. This included a full exterior respray in the correct Mercedes-Benz Glasurit paint materials and a full interior retrim (including soft-top) in the correct grain German leather. During restoration, weather seals, clips, gaskets and fixings were renewed as required to ensure the highest quality finish. Chrome and brightwork was reworked or renewed as required before reassembly complimenting the new paintwork. The car also received a full service and health check to ensure its readiness for the open road.
Presented today, ready for immediate use and enjoyment following the extensive work by Hilton & Moss, this 300SL represents a wonderful opportunity, with its full complement of verified matching number components, alongside a fresh exterior restoration and fully rebuilt engine.
