1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster For Sale in Scotts Valley, CA, 2146377933 Tweet

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster VIN: 1980427500190 Click here to view high resolution photos Extremely original 300SL example, fully restored Numbers matching body, engine, and transmission Original factory Mercedes-Benz hardtop Beautiful combination of Mercedes-Benz Anthracite Grey Metallic (Anthrazit Grau DB172), over Light Grey leather interior Very rare European-spec headlights One of 1,858 examples ever built worldwide Complete engine rebuild and tuning by former Hjeltness Restoration engine builder Recent major mechanical restoration performed by 300SL experts Hjeltness Restoration, including transmission rebuild, brake system rebuild, valve and timing chain adjustment 3.0L inline 6 Bosch fuel-injected engine, 240HP, 217lb-ft of torque, 4-speed manual transmission Includes fitted luggage, books, tool kit, jack, spare wheel/tire How does a successful automotive company like Mercedes-Benz innovate the critically-acclaimed 300SL Gullwing? By removing the roof, of course. After 3 years of production of the 300 SLR-inspired road car, Mercedes-Benz began the second stage of the 300SL, releasing the Roadster to the world. Keeping the dramatic long hood at the front but massaging the rear to incorporate a newly-developed soft top and hardtop, the 300SL Roadster now had unlimited headroom for taller occupants. Sold from 1957 until 1963, it was considered a monumental success for Mercedes-Benz not only in terms of sales, but establishing the brand as a premiere luxury sports car builder. With only 1,858 examples ever built, the 300SL Roadster is a very rare automobile and one of the most beautiful designs crafted out of Sindelfingen, Germany. The Roadster acquired several updates in comparison to the Gullwing which all led to a more enjoyable driving experience. The drivetrain received notable upgrades in quality and performance, such as the 300SL Roadster 3.0L engine being upgraded to 240 horsepower from the Gullwings 212 horsepower due to the innovative Bosch fuel injection system vs. carburetors. The transmission of the Gullwing had semi straight-cut gears in its 4-speed transmission, more like a race car but had a distinctive whine while driving. The Roadster on the other hand gained a fully synchronized 4-speed manual transmission which was much quieter and smoother. Other improvements included a lowered rear axle for better handling, a lower sill in the interior for easier ingress and egress, and in general practicality improvements. This 1957 300SL Roadster has a unique story, remaining in the same family for over 50 years and then recently having a stunning restoration performed on it from a detail-oriented caretaker and critically-acclaimed architect, Jonathan Segal. The 300SL was first registered in March of 1958 to John D. Ryan of Ramsey, Montana and subsequently to Dr. John Gans of Morenci, Arizona before making its way to its 50+ year longtime caretaker, Merlin D. Peay, D.D.S. Merlin Deeon Peay graduated from Clifton High School at 17 years old and went immediately into the U.S. Navy during WWII. After completing his service, he attended and graduated from the University of Arizona in Pharmacy, eventually graduating from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry at the top of his class. As part of maybe a graduate gift to himself, this 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL made its way to him in the early 1960s, with his first service record showing the summer of 1963, indicating 32,153 miles on the odometer. Peay attended and graduated from the Baylor College of Orthodontics in Dallas, Texas in 1966, where he likely used the 300SL as his primary vehicle in commuting. He was not worried about using the 300SL as intended, indicated by the April 11th, 1966 service receipt with an odometer i