Any discussion of the greatest automobiles of all time must certainly include the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Initially conceived as a purebred racing car, the 300SL "Gullwing" racked up victories across Europe and the Americas and captured the attention of one Max Hoffman, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz automobiles to the USA.

Faced with burgeoning demand from wealthy clients in the critical US market, the ever-compelling Hoffman managed to persuade the board of directors in Stuttgart to develop the 300SL for the road. Quite remarkably, the road car remained faithful to the original concept, retaining its complex tubular space frame chassis designed by Rudolph Uhlenhaut, necessitating the signature "gullwing" doors – and birthing an icon in the process. Despite its eye-watering asking price of $11,000 in 1955, Mercedes-Benz shifted 1,400 Gullwing Coupes, making it a tremendous success.

Clearly the 300 SL Coupé would be a hard act to follow yet the Roadster version, introduced just three years later, succeeded in bettering its closed cousin's already exemplary road manners. Built with conventional doors, the 300 SL Roadster was first exhibited at the Geneva Salon in May 1957 and was an immediate hit with the 1950s 'Jet Set' of royalty, actors, and socialites. The production of an open 300 SL involved altering the cockpit area, where the spaceframe was redesigned to permit lower sills for improved access. At the same time the rear suspension was changed to incorporate low-pivot swing axles.

The Roadster's neutral steering characteristics received fulsome praise from Road & Track in its 1958 road test: "With the low-pivot rear suspension and more adhesive tyres, the car handles beautifully under all conditions. This is a tremendous improvement over the gullwing models, which had a tendency to oversteer rather violently if pressed too hard." A 0-60mph time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 130mph were recorded, making the 300 SL Roadster one of the fastest convertibles of its time. R&T concluded: "There is no doubt that the 300 SL roadster is a truly great dual-purpose sports car, equally at home in traffic and the open road, or on the track", words that remain equally true today.

An early 1959 production example, chassis number 198.042.9500032 left the factory finished in Weißgrau (DB158) over red leather (1097), with a black soft top, Michelin tires, and optional Becker radio. A sharp and distinctly continental combination, surely satisfying its new American owner. Its early history is not currently known, but by 1984, this U.S.-spec SL had already spent fifteen years resting untouched in a Florida barn.

In that same year, marque specialist Steve Marx rescued the car from its sedentary life. Marx, well known in West Coast circles for racing his Gullwing, purchased this car and restored it according to his personal philosophy of performance and drivability. A full restoration began, including a period-style performance build of the numbers matching M198 engine (no. 198.980.8500337) giving the car more punch that suited Marx’s future usage. According to recent correspondence with Marx, this “hot-rodding” of the 300SL’s heart involved trimming over seventy pounds from the engine, including a lightened flywheel. Putting it to good use, he raced it enthusiastically at venues such as the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. He retained the car for over two decades before selling it in 2006.

Following Marx’s long-term ownership, the car passed through a couple more caring owners. Its most recent custodian acquired it in 2016 and promptly entered it in the 2017 California Mille—confirming both its reliability and drivability.

As it currently presents, this W198 is in wonderful condition, having been enjoyed while simultaneously meticulously cared for. Retaining its numbers matching motor, this example does all the work setting itself apart from the rest. Now wearing fire engine red paint, an understandably common color for Roadsters as it helps accentuate the beauty of Uhlenhaut’s design. The chrome trim throughout presents as new and the black soft top is in excellent condition, ensuring a good seal for the inevitable foul weather encounter during a rally.

Inside, black leather upholstery is paired with a paint-matched dashboard, ivory steering wheel, and factory Becker radio—all period-appropriate and full of character. Switchgear and trim show light wear but function confidently, and the German square weave carpeting ties it all together with understated style.

Under the front hinged bonnet lies the true heart of the car, the numbers matching M198 motor. Of all the car’s many visual highlights, the engine bay stands out as particularly well presented. It’s clear this area has benefited from extra attention, with crisp detailing and tidy finishes that reflect long-term care and mechanical honesty, a strong visual reminder that this SL was restored to be driven—but maintained with pride.

Our recent road tests confirm that the car still behaves exactly as Marx intended—lively, eager, and just that bit sharper than most. Crisp throttle response and a raspy intake note give this SL just the right kind of attitude—it lures you into the upper revs, rewards a heavy right foot, and comes alive where the torque really starts to sing.

Complete with its tool kit and a copy of its data card, this Roadster’s history with noted 300SL specialist Steve Marx speaks volumes about the level of care it has received. Well-loved and properly sorted, it’s ready for its next custodian to enjoy—whether on the rally route, a coastal drive, or anywhere the road leads. Happy driving!

Offers welcome and trades considered.

$1,200,000

Stock number 7898