1958 Mercedes - Benz 300SL

Hilton & Moss are pleased to offer yet another wonderful Mercedes-Benz W198 300SL Roadster for sale at our Hertfordshire showrooms.

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, produced from 1957 to 1963, is the later convertible version of the iconic 300SL Gullwing coupe. It features a sleek design, powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six engine with innovative fuel injection technology. With a top speed of around 140mph and a 0-60mph time of around 7.5 seconds, it offered impressive performance in its day. The 300SL Roadster is celebrated for its design, engineering, and performance, remaining highly prized among collectors and with 1,858 examples built, it was a real success story for Mercedes-Benz.

The open-top sibling to the 'Gullwing' introduced several technological innovations now commonplace in the automotive industry. Following the end of Gullwing production, Mercedes-Benz continued to refine and advance the platform with the 300SL Roadster, establishing a benchmark for open-topped performance cars with the addition of a highly revised rear axle over the ‘Gullwing’ incorporated low-pivot swing axles. Reshaping automotive excellence in its era, this model still captivates with its pace, refinement, and vigour almost 70 years later.

More than 80% of the SL’s total production was shipped to the United States, with this particular example being delivered in October 1958. As per the data card, the car was originally finished in DB180 Silver Grey Metallic with a striking 1079 Red leather interior. By 1988, it had returned to Germany under the care of a collector who commissioned a restoration by Borm Autolackiererei. This would see a bare metal restoration completed, with the car then being finished in Konigs Blau over a Biscuit leather interior which the car retains today. The restoration would be complete by August 1988 and the car would remain in Germany until its importation into the UK by Antony Cluck, who owned the car until 2002, at which point it was sold via auction.

In June 2005, the car was acquired by its most recent owner, Barry Burnett, who added the car to his already prominent collection of vehicles. The 300SL remained in the collection, and in 2019 the engine was sent to specialist Chris Shenton for a full engine and injection pump rebuild. The work would be delayed due to the pandemic, but finally completed in October 2023, with a total spend in excess of £60,000.

Today, this 300SL Roadster remains in its prior restoration colourway, having been used regularly over the years, now showing 74,141 miles covered. With its engine only recently rebuilt, the car presents the ideal opportunity to be driven and used as intended, perhaps on rallies, tours and events, or just as a car to be enjoyed on your own terms.

On the road, the 300SL Roadster delivers impeccable performance, with smooth acceleration, seamless gear changes, and a refined engine note. Its advanced road manners, even by modern standards, underscore its enduring appeal, making it a favourite among collectors and enthusiasts for long-distance touring. Moreover, the car offers not only an engaging driving experience but also comfort and practicality, boasting ample luggage space for extended trips.

Hilton & Moss are pleased to also offer the unique opportunity to tailor the car to your own personal specification. Thanks to our in-house restoration facility, we can change the colours as desired, whether that be back to the original factory colour way, another period Mercedes colour or perhaps something altogether different. A full interior retrim can also be undertaken, with a vast variety of colours, materials and finishes available to truly make this 300SL one-of-a-kind.

Available now only at Hilton & Moss.