Mercedes 300 SL Roadster - 1957
W198 II
Chassis n° 198.042.7500594
RM Sotheby's
Place Vauban
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 800.000 - 900.000
Sold for € 764.375
In 1957 the 300 SL Gullwing was replaced by a more highly developed roadster model that was superior in most respects. More powerful due to the standard specification of a sports camshaft, the 300 SL roadster was also easier to use and control, thanks to a revised frame design that allowed for conventional doors and a new low-pivot rear swing axle that minimized oversteer. Still retaining most of the Gullwing’s characteristic exterior design cues, the roadster has evolved into nearly as collectable a model while offering a much more driver-friendly experience. Historically speaking, the open-top arrangement proved to be the forerunner of a long line of powerful SL convertibles that continues to this day.
Benefitting from a well-maintained older restoration, and retaining its original engine, body, and steering box, this beautiful 300 SL roadster is a particularly fetching example that has enjoyed a current ownership period of over 23 years. Though the early history of the car is currently unknown, there is a great likelihood that it was distributed new to the United States, as the car is fitted with American-style headlamp lenses, and was definitely in American ownership during the 1980s.
Originally finished in ivory paint over an interior of red leather (the colour scheme which the car retains today), chassis number 7500594 is approximately the 518th car built out of 1,858 total examples. According to an entry in the Gullwing Group registry, the roadster was owned during the 1980s by Richard Schmauss of Superior, Wisconsin. Mr Schmauss was a lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast who served at Pearl Harbor during World War II before returning to the prairie states to found a successful detailing business called Klean Kar Service. Proud of his heritage, Schmauss collected all things German and owned several premium Mercedes-Benz models, including a 190 SL, a 300 cabriolet, and a 600 four-door limousine, as well as an early Porsche 911.
By 1989 the 300 SL was sold from Mr Schmauss’s collection, and in December 1996 the car was acquired by the consignor, an enthusiast based in Portugal, at which point the odometer displayed 31,275 miles. The owner commissioned Mercedes-Benz Classic of Portugal to sympathetically freshen the car as needed, and in 2007 it was issued a FIVA card for participation in major events.
Notable for retaining its original engine and factory-appointed colour scheme, this well-maintained 300 SL offers a beautiful complement to any collection and would make an ideal acquisition for open motoring enthusiasts or Mercedes-Benz collectors on the hunt for a well-sorted early roadster. Given its early build date, the car is eligible for the finest driving events worldwide, including the Mille Miglia Storico, and would be an ideal candidate for either concours display or event use.
Mercedes 300 SL Roadster - 1957
W198 II
Chassis n° 198.042.7500594
RM Sotheby's
Place Vauban
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2020
Estimated : € 800.000 - 900.000
Sold for € 764.375
In 1957 the 300 SL Gullwing was replaced by a more highly developed roadster model that was superior in most respects. More powerful due to the standard specification of a sports camshaft, the 300 SL roadster was also easier to use and control, thanks to a revised frame design that allowed for conventional doors and a new low-pivot rear swing axle that minimized oversteer. Still retaining most of the Gullwing’s characteristic exterior design cues, the roadster has evolved into nearly as collectable a model while offering a much more driver-friendly experience. Historically speaking, the open-top arrangement proved to be the forerunner of a long line of powerful SL convertibles that continues to this day.
Benefitting from a well-maintained older restoration, and retaining its original engine, body, and steering box, this beautiful 300 SL roadster is a particularly fetching example that has enjoyed a current ownership period of over 23 years. Though the early history of the car is currently unknown, there is a great likelihood that it was distributed new to the United States, as the car is fitted with American-style headlamp lenses, and was definitely in American ownership during the 1980s.
Originally finished in ivory paint over an interior of red leather (the colour scheme which the car retains today), chassis number 7500594 is approximately the 518th car built out of 1,858 total examples. According to an entry in the Gullwing Group registry, the roadster was owned during the 1980s by Richard Schmauss of Superior, Wisconsin. Mr Schmauss was a lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast who served at Pearl Harbor during World War II before returning to the prairie states to found a successful detailing business called Klean Kar Service. Proud of his heritage, Schmauss collected all things German and owned several premium Mercedes-Benz models, including a 190 SL, a 300 cabriolet, and a 600 four-door limousine, as well as an early Porsche 911.
By 1989 the 300 SL was sold from Mr Schmauss’s collection, and in December 1996 the car was acquired by the consignor, an enthusiast based in Portugal, at which point the odometer displayed 31,275 miles. The owner commissioned Mercedes-Benz Classic of Portugal to sympathetically freshen the car as needed, and in 2007 it was issued a FIVA card for participation in major events.
Notable for retaining its original engine and factory-appointed colour scheme, this well-maintained 300 SL offers a beautiful complement to any collection and would make an ideal acquisition for open motoring enthusiasts or Mercedes-Benz collectors on the hunt for a well-sorted early roadster. Given its early build date, the car is eligible for the finest driving events worldwide, including the Mille Miglia Storico, and would be an ideal candidate for either concours display or event use.