1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence Award. Estimate $1,500,000 - $2,000,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

Classic Restorations of Denver performed a no-expense-spared restoration on this 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster that elevated it to a world-class belle of the Concours d’Elegance. Great restorations do not just happen; they are the result of a concerted team effort by skilled craftsmen working under the direction of talented management. These qualities are found in abundance at Classic Restorations, whose reputation for producing brilliant award-winning restorations has spread worldwide.

Work began by removing the car’s paint and inspecting the sheet metal before commencing refinishing. In addition to exacting body and paint work, the interior was completely refurbished to extraordinary quality, exceeding factory-original standards. Sound-deadening and heat-reflecting materials were installed throughout the interior to reduce road and mechanical noise to an absolute minimum, resulting in an exceptionally quiet ride. New Saddle-leather upholstery and all other fitments were completed to extraordinary quality, exceeding the factory’s already superb standards. A fitted two-piece luggage set in the trunk is equally magnificent.

More subtle cosmetic modifications were performed during the restoration that set this splendid 300SL apart from almost all others. Most noticeably, the front bumper guards and outside mirrors were removed, further adding to the car’s clean, uncluttered beauty. In keeping with a special request by the owner, the right front fender, which is normally almost unnoticeably asymmetrical to the left side, was altered to perfectly mirror its opposite. Classic Restorations is also noted for excellent mechanical work, including upgrades to enhance performance without affecting original appearances. To eliminate the 300SL’s tendency to run warm, Classic equipped the car with its proprietary performance radiator conversion, using the original radiator tanks and a new offset core to increase cooling capacity by 30 percent while maintaining the stock appearance. One minor drawback of the 300SL and many sports cars of this vintage is engine heat spilling into the cabin. The heat and sound-deadening material and the alterations to the cooling system make this first-year 300SL Roadster a joy to drive on a warm, sunny day.

The overall effect of these revisions is one of the most beautiful examples of the 300SL Roadster in existence. In 2013 the completed car made its first post-restoration appearance at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where it won the Mercedes-Benz Star of Excellence and was in the running for Best in Show. It also enjoyed a prominent place at the Quail Motorsports gathering in California. Significantly, because it was built in 1957, this first-year 300SL Roadster is eligible for such historic and vintage events as the Mille Miglia. Widely regarded as one of the best sport touring cars of the period, it is a joy to drive and perfect for the collector who demands exclusivity and award-winning finish and presentation.

Mecum Monterey 2015