The introduction of the 300 SL in 1954 marked a seminal moment for Mercedes-Benz, cementing its status as a leader in race-bred performance automobiles. Featuring a groundbreaking space-frame chassis and the first fuel-injected engine ever fitted to a production car, the 300 SL was envisioned as a road-legal version of the firm’s 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning W194 racer. Building upon the success of the iconic 300 SL “Gullwing” coupe, a Roadster followed in 1957 and featured a reinforced chassis, conventional doors with lower sills for easier ingress, and cosmetic refinements. Priced at an astronomical $11,000, the 300 SL Roadster became the ultimate automotive statement, coveted by celebrities, racing drivers, and discerning enthusiasts seeking unparalleled luxury and performance.

Per a copy of its original Mercedes-Benz data card, this 300 SL Roadster, chassis 241, left the factory finished as it presents today in Weissgrau or White Grey (DB 158 G) over Leder Ro—red leather—trim. It was equipped with US-spec equipment, sealed-beam headlamps, a passenger side mirror, 3.64:1 rear axle ratio, and a Becker Mexico AM/FM radio with Reims Adapter.

Remarkably, chassis 241 retains its original service book, which documents its first sale to Mr. John P. Rich of Nashua, New Hampshire on 17 July 1958. Presumably on holiday in Europe, Mr. Rich took delivery of the car and promptly set off on an extended continental tour as evidenced in the book’s first entry, a service two days after delivery in Lucerne, Switzerland with 349 miles already on the odometer. A subsequent entry documents Rich having the car serviced again seven months after delivery, by which time it was already showing over 10,000 miles—an indication of enthusiastic early use.

Following Mr. Rich’s stewardship, chassis 241 passed through a series of passionate caretakers, including a New Jersey-based dentist and Gull Wing Group member who commissioned a comprehensive engine rebuild in 1982. Upon acquisition by the consignor’s father, also a longtime Gull Wing Group member, a complete restoration was commissioned beginning in 1990. Much of the restoration work was entrusted to the noted specialist Kent Bain of Automotive Restorations in Stratford, Connecticut. Notable work included a bare-metal refinishing in its current shade of Weissgrau and the fitment of a new red leather interior and black soft-top.

In 2008, more than a decade after completion of the restoration, the car was entrusted to Mark Allin’s Precision Automotive Restoration for an extensive refresh to ensure continued reliability and performance. Allin’s work included, most notably, a re-core of the radiator and oil cooler, resealing the engine and transmission, and the installation of a completely new wiring harness, among other sorting.

The car was treated to yet another extensive service in 2020 by R&R Automotive Restorations of Mount Kisco, New York, and has since remained well-preserved and highly cherished. In addition to its original service book and extensive collection of invoices, chassis 241 is accompanied by the highly desirable 300 SL factory hardtop and various books, including owner’s manual, workshop manual, spare parts list, and “Catalogue B.” Importantly, the car has been verified as retaining its numbers-matching chassis, body, engine, gearbox, differential, front axles, and steering box, further underscoring its life of meticulous and respectful care.

An era-defining masterpiece offering a truly sublime driving experience, the 300 SL Roadster remains a marvel nearly seven decades after its introduction. This meticulously documented example with numbers-matching components presents a sensational opportunity to experience the gold standard in mid-century motoring.