OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No.
1980427500125
Body No: A1980427500049 The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster stands as one of the most celebrated sports cars of the 20th century, a direct descendant of the legendary 300SL Gullwing coupe that took the world by storm just a few years prior. The 300SL story began on the racetrack, specifically with the W194 competition cars of 1952, which secured victories at Le Mans, the Carrera Panamericana, and the Nrburgring. These lightweight, tubular-frame racers showcased Mercedes-Benzs engineering prowess and inspired a roadgoing variant for discerning sportsmen, enthusiasts, and elitists of the era and even today. Introduced in 1954, the 300SL Gullwing was revolutionary. Its space-frame chassis required high sills, leading to its iconic upward-opening doors. Beneath the hood is a 3.0-litre inline-six equipped with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the first production car in history to use it, producing around 240 horsepower. With a top speed exceeding 150 mph, it was the fastest road car of its time and a technological tour de force. However, its race-bred structure made entry and exit difficult, and the coupes enclosed cabin generated significant heat, prompting calls for a more practical day-to-day version. In 1957, Mercedes answered with the 300SL Roadster. Retaining the same revolutionary chassis and engine, the Roadster introduced a redesigned lower frame that allowed for conventional doors, a revised rear suspension for improved handling, and a more comfortable, open-air cockpit trimmed in luxurious materials. Performance remained exhilarating, but the cars demeanor shifted from pure competition to grand touring elegance. Produced until 1963 in limited numbers, approximately 1,858 examples, the 300SL Roadster became a symbol of sophisticated performance and timeless design both in period and by todays jaded standards. The crowning jewel of The Dane Miller Estate Collection for the last 26 years, this 300SL Roadster is one of the most desirable postwar-era automobiles ever created and retains its numbers-matching engine, chassis, and body. Taking place in the year 2000, John Kruse helped facilitate the transaction of this 300SL Roadster in Auburn, Indiana 26 years ago for The Dane Miller Collection. Since then, it has been lovingly cared for and admired in his two-story climate-controlled collection facility. Documented by a copy of its original data card, this 300SL Roadster was originally delivered new through Studebaker-Packard South Bend, Indiana, USA, which greatly appealed to Dane Miller. Originally white over black, today, this 300SL Roadster is draped in one of the most iconic and classic color schemes, Silver Grey Metallic over a red leather interior, which reflects the brand's deep roots in automotive racing. Of note, when the cosmetic change took place, the factory numbers were found and match on both inner fender wells. Retaining its original numbers-matching powerplant, the spirited 3.0-litre fuel-injected inline-six engine and four-speed manual gearbox combination is that of legend and is widely praised as one of the most usable and enjoyable automobiles to experience on extended driving tours. In preparation for the Auburn Spring sale, a mechanical freshening was performed. The fuel tank was removed and the inside was redone and cleaned, the fuel lines were replaced, both fuel filters were replaced, the fuel pump was removed, taken apart and cleaned, the spark plugs were changed, the fuel injection block was cleaned, the solenoid unit that controls the fuel injection was replaced, an oil change was performed, and the brakes were bled and topped with new brake fluid. Along with the mechanical freshening, a professional dry ice blast detailing of the undercarriage and the engine bay was carried out and a complete detailing of the body and interior was also performed. Accompanying the sale of this roadster is its aforementioned factory copy data card, a Mercedes-Benz tool roll kit, jack and spare tire, 300SL Roadster red cover German spare parts list book, and a Mercedes-Benz service book. Rarely ds one get a chance to acquire a blue-chip automobile thats fresh to market for the first time in 26 years, such as this 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster selling at no reserve. Dane Miller was a giant of industry and innovation and regarded as a leader around the globe. He could own anything he wanted and chose this automobile to represent the pinnacle of his achievements. Eligible for roadgoing enjoyment at noted events around the globe, this numbers-matching 300SL Roadster represents the perfect fusion of racing heritage, mechanical innovation, and refined beauty; it remains a cornerstone in Mercedes-Benzs legacy as one of the most collectible postwar automobiles ever built. * Numbers-matching engine, chassis, and body, per a copy of its factory data card * Acquired by The Miller Collection 26 years ago at the annual Auburn Auction & Show * Debut year of one of the most celebrated postwar automobiles ever produced * Draped in one of the most iconic and classic color schemes on a 300SL * Highly drivable and eligible for exclusive events and tours around the globe From the Kruse Auctions
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