1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

In the 1950s, Mercedes-Benz sought to refine its immortal 300 SL Coupe with a worthy successor, and the result was the 300 SL Roadster, which made its debut in mid-1957. Built over seven model years, a scant 1,858 examples were made, the last completed in 1963. These cars have always been prized by enthusiasts, and now – nearly 70 years hence – a rare few still exude their original essence.

According to documents preserved in its impressive history file, this 300 SL Roadster’s first owner was Charles Kraus of Hinsdale, Illinois. Taking delivery at the Daimler-Benz factory, stubs in the original service book indicate that Mr. Kraus returned there for initial service appointments to make adjustments before shipping his car home. In addition to a copy of its original build record, several rarely seen order memos detail Mr. Kraus’ wishes for his new Mercedes-Benz. Chief among these specifications were a soft top in red canvas and a thick, fitted leather tonneau. When zipped closed, the tonneau shielded the interior from moisture and sunlight; when opened, it could accommodate either the driver alone or both occupants. Among the rarest of all 300 SL optional equipment, the tonneau, made and fitted by Mercedes-Benz, remains with the car and has been the subject of lively conversation wherever the car has appeared publicly.

Mr. Kraus retained his bespoke 300 SL for a notable 41 years, until it was purchased by the respected California-based collector Don Sears in 1999. Mr. Sears dutifully maintained the Roadster before passing it to his friend, the noted collector Ken McBride of Kirkland, Washington, in 2003. In a recent conversation, Mr. Sears confessed that he still regrets selling this exceptionally original 300 SL. In 2005, the Roadster was acquired by its current caretaker.

Never comprehensively restored, this 300 SL enjoys the solidity of its factory assembly, which is most often lost during body-off restorations. Likewise, it proudly displays an original Roser leather interior. During the more than 20 years with its current family, this 300 SL has been enjoyed on numerous organized trips, rallies, and weekend drives around Southern California, as well as on a recent Colorado Grand. Throughout that time, it has been maintained by a private, factorytrained Mercedes-Benz technician. In 2017, the Southern California-based owner sourced a factory hardtop for the Roadster and finished it in a red hue to complement the car’s White (DB 50) paint and red interior, while echoing the color of its rarely seen red soft top.

In 2023, the Roadster was tendered to the respected workshops of Paul Russell and Company in Essex, Massachusetts, for a thorough inspection and service, including an extensive rebuild of its original engine – the first effort of such scale in its history. Concurrent with the engine rebuild, the Roadster benefited from a major mechanical recommissioning. The radiator was re-cored, the tie-rod ends and center drag link were renewed, and the hydraulic braking system was thoroughly serviced, with new brake shoes expertly ground and fitted to freshly turned drums. Attention was also paid to the ignition and charging systems, with the distributor serviced, new coils installed, and the generator wiring harness replaced. The clutch was replaced and the fuel-injection system also received a major service. In all, well over $250,000 was spent, with special attention paid to preserving the Roadster’s unrestored character. Showing just 77,675 miles when catalogued, it is easy to see that this 300 SL has been a prized possession since it first left the factory.

Each year, perhaps a dozen or more original 300 SLs are thoroughly restored, forever obliterating the unrepeatable essence and finishes of a factory-assembled car. The textures, sounds, scents, and driving dynamics of an undisturbed 300 SL dazzle the senses, fully revealing the engineering genius and craftsmanship that placed these cars so far ahead of their time. Those aware of the value of stewardship and restraint will recognize and appreciate this beautifully preserved and maintained Mercedes-Benz for the modern-day rarity that it is.