1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

   

1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

From Seller:

Chassis No. Firewall ID Tag: 300SL / 198042 9500015
Chassis No. Frame Stamp: 198042 9500015
Chassis No. Frame ID Tag: 300SL / 198042 9500015
Body No. ID Tag Passenger Comp. 1980042 9500339
Body No. Front Bulkhead Stamp 1980042 9500339
Engine No. Block Stamp: 198.980.8500357
Engine No. ID Tag Stamp: 8500357
Engine Type: 3.0-Liter, In-Line 6
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Final Drive Ratio: 3.89:1
Color: DB180 Silver
Upholstery: Red
Mileage: 883 (TMU)

This particular Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster was ordered and sold new in the United States by official importer, Max Hoffman. It was completed very early in November of 1958, delivered and sold shortly thereafter. The original colors were silver with a standard red interior. Options included Hard Top only and a Factory fitted, NARDI Wood wheel, both of which remain with this car today. The wheels and most components that have them are showing date codes of 11/58 or November 1958 which is clear indication just how original and unmolested this particular 300SL Roadster is.

This is an all Matching Numbers example with no signs of accidents or corrosion. The body panel fit and paint quality are typical of a show car but this roadster as far as previous owners and information has been able to reveal has never undergone significant restoration or modification. It remains extremely original with the exception of replacement carpets.

Little is known about the previous ownership history of this particular Mercedes. It came to us as a direct purchase from a private collection with no service history or previous documentation on former owners. It has however been carefully inspected and clearly has been kept largely original and well cared for over the past 50 years!

Mechanically, the engine is in top order and the gearbox, clutch, synchros, rear axle, brakes, suspension etc. all in excellent working order with no noticeable faults or defect.

The steering is tight and responsive. The brakes are top-notch with incredible stopping power and no shakes, shimmies or vibrations of any kind at any speed.

This Mercedes was and remains fitted with the 3.89:1 final drive ratio which allows for excellent off-the-line and in-town acceleration without compromising overall top speed. This would be an excellent candidate for a variety of tours and rallys where such a vehicle is both welcome and enthusiastically accepted.

Specifications:
Engine: In-line, six-cylinder with single overhead-camshaft driven by a duplex timing chain.
Bore: 85.0mm
Stroke: 88.0mm
Displacement: 2992cc (nominal 3.0-liters)
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Output: 235bhp @ 5800rpm
Torque: 202lb-ft @ 4800rpm
Fuel System: Bosch PES 6 KL 70/320 R 3 direct fuel injection
Lubrication: Forced high-pressure, dry-sump
Gearbox: Fully synchronized, constant mesh, engine-mounted, four-speed and reverse gear
Chassis: Chrome-molly-tubing, Space-Frame
Body: Steel and aluminum alloy mounted directly to Space-Frame
Front Suspension: Double wishbone with coil springs and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Front mounted (torsion-type) anti-roll bar.
Rear Suspension: Fully independent with twin transverse control arms and coil springs with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers.
Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic al-fin competition-type drum brakes
Final Drive Ratio: 1: 3.06
Tires: 6.70 x 15
Wheels: 5.50 x 15J