SOLD 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - Scott Grundfor Company

This primed-for-driving 300SL presents as delivered in the stark, yet beautifully reserved original color combination of 050 white over 955 black. As an unusually sincere matching numbers W198 Roadster retaining its original German Roser leather interior in stunning condition, this car performs superbly on the road, comes with its factory hard top and has been lovingly cared for since new. Ready for daily driving or long distance touring.

Highlights

Chassis no. 198.042.8500232

Engine no. 198.980.8500236.

Matching numbers

Original colors

DB 050 white paint

Original 955 black Roser leather interior

Known ownership history from new

Retains factory hard top

Black canvas soft top

Blaupunkt radio

Owners manual and books

Spare wheel and tire

Original Jack

Copy of factory data card

77,811 miles

300SL Roadster History

This beautiful 300SL Roadster left the Mercedes-Benz factory on June 3rd, 1958 and was finished as presented today in the combination of DB050 white over code 955 black Roser leather upholstery. Equipped with the optional hard top in body color, this W198 roadster was special ordered with a rarely seen interior door panel pocket arrangement in place of the standard armrest configuration, giving the car added interior space and storage. This lovely late 50’s US delivery Mercedes-Benz convertible offers an impressive amount of originality in the German Roser leather it retains in the interior, a fitting compliment to its impressive road going capabilities.

According to the Gullwing Group’s 300SL historical roadster registry, chassis 8500232 was originally delivered to Robert Schultz of New Hampshire. The car would migrate to Massachusetts by 1971 and was retained by two owners in the state, William Swope of Billerica and Lurz N. Wallem of Topsfield. By 1976, this 300SL Roadster was in the ownership of William Clapp of Seattle, Washington. In 1981, the car came into the possession of Alfred W. Finch, a private enthusiast from Mercer Island, Washington. Finch would steward this authentic and well cared for German classic for nearly 40 years. As is clear when viewing the car today, particularly regarding the stunningly well cared for original black leather in the interior, the ownership tenures from new through today have been marked by an unusual and admirable level of attention and care.

Over the last decade, the loving treatment of this charming 300SL has continued following a move to Arizona. Since the move, the car has been maintained by Robert Webster of Werkstatt LLC of Cave Creek, a highly respected German mechanic well known to Scott Grundfor Company and many of our clients as a steadfast supplier of top notch mechanical care for 300SL’s in the Southwest United States. Webster has commented that chassis 8500232 is an exceptional driving example, perhaps the best he has ever driven, a driving experience he describes as feeling particularly smooth and solid on the road. Recently, Scott Grundfor Company has performed a full engine service, cleaning and detail, ensuring an enviable prowess in performance on the road. Also, a period correct 1950’s Blaupunkt radio has been installed to round out a beautiful interior presentation.

This road going performer of a 300SL Roadster has been repainted in the “as delivered” color of DB050 white. The paint remains vibrant and has a tell-tale appearance of well prepared body surfaces. It displays mild, though fitting patina throughout which matches the superb original, unique qualities of the interior. The original German Roser leather of the seats and door sills remain in beautiful condition speaking to the careful consideration the car has enjoyed over the years, with the dash leather, gauges and dash paint telling a similar story. The beauty of the original black Roser leather hides and the prospect of many years of use to come is a remarkable find in a 300SL or any model of this era. The fits and gapping on the doors, hood and trunk are very even throughout, with the body structure and original integrity most apparently seen in the subtle ease of how the doors effortlessly open and close. All consistent with a car that has seen very few difficulties since new. As testament to a long and disguised regimen of care, this 300SL retains its ever-important original numbers matching engine as well as all original riveted factory tags and factory stampings.

Offered here is a genuinely well kept and loved 300SL Roadster that is the product of a lifetime of well enjoyed enthusiast care, noticeable on an initial glance and after time spent behind the wheel. This car comes with its factory hard top, original owners manual, 300 Roadster workshop manual and copy of the original factory data card. This Mercedes is poised to be enjoyed as its engineers originally intended, on the open roads and with the true enthusiast behind the wheel, a future caretaker to appreciate the subtle perfection of the 300SL open air experience.

Highlights

300SL Roadster History

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