Mercedes-Benz W198 300SL Roadster
Description
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is one of the most significant sports cars of the post-war era, combining advanced engineering derived from motorsport with the elegance and usability expected of a Mercedes-Benz grand tourer.
This particular 300SL Roadster, manufactured in September 1960, is a particularly important example. Originally supplied to the United States before being imported to the UK in 1996, it has retained a remarkable complement of its original matching-numbers mechanical components. More recently, the car has undergone a comprehensive programme of mechanical and cosmetic work, including a full engine rebuild in 2025 and restoration by the Mercedes-Benz specialists at Hilton & Moss.
The latest stage of the car's restoration has focused on returning it to the factory specification in which it originally left Stuttgart, including its original DB166 Blue Grey exterior, Black leather interior and 1090 Black Boucle carpet.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Following the unexpected success of the 300SL Gullwing, which debuted at the New York Motor Show in 1954, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300SL Roadster at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show.
While the Roadster retained much of the engineering that made the Gullwing so significant, it represented a substantial evolution of the concept. The tubular spaceframe remained, as did the advanced 3.0-litre direct-injection straight-six engine, but the chassis was redesigned to incorporate lower sills and conventional doors.
The engine retained its distinctive 50-degree inclination, helping to maintain a low centre of gravity and favourable aerodynamic profile, while an upgraded camshaft provided increased performance over the Gullwing. The Roadster also received significant changes to the rear of the car, including a redesigned single-joint rear axle, revised torsion bars, wider wheels and a new fuel tank arrangement that allowed for conventional boot space.
These changes transformed the character of the 300SL. Where the Gullwing was uncompromisingly influenced by its competition origins, the Roadster was a more sophisticated and usable sports car, while retaining the extraordinary engineering beneath its elegant bodywork.
Production continued until 1963, with just 1,858 300SL Roadsters built during the model's six-year production run.
From the United States to the United Kingdom
This car was manufactured in September 1960 and originally supplied to the United States. It remained there before being imported to the UK in 1996.
Prior to its arrival in Britain, the 300SL underwent a comprehensive body-off restoration under the close supervision of renowned 300SL specialist John Olson. Following its arrival in the UK, the car subsequently became part of the notable collection of Lord Irvine Laidlaw.
Its history provides an important foundation for understanding the car as it stands today, particularly given the preservation of its original mechanical components.
Matching-Numbers Components
One of the defining features of this 300SL Roadster is its complement of original matching-numbers components.
The original engine, gearbox, 3.89 rear axle, steering box and both left- and right-hand king pins have all been retained. For a car of this age and significance, the survival of these original components provides an important level of authenticity and provenance.
The preservation of these components was therefore a key consideration throughout the subsequent restoration work. Rather than replacing original parts unnecessarily, the objective was to retain and restore the car's existing specification wherever possible.
Engine Rebuild
In 2025, the car underwent a comprehensive rebuild of its 3.0-litre straight-six engine.
The rebuilt engine was subjected to pre-installation dyno testing and sign-off before being installed back into the car. Since the completion of the work, the 300SL has covered only minimal mileage, leaving the engine in exceptionally fresh condition.
The engine work forms an important part of the car's recent history, complementing the preservation of its original matching-numbers drivetrain.
Returning the Exterior to DB166 Blue Grey
The latest restoration work was carried out by the Mercedes-Benz specialists at Hilton & Moss, with a particular focus on returning the car to its original factory appearance.
The car originally left the Mercedes-Benz factory finished in DB166 Blue Grey, paired with contrasting DB158 hubcaps. During the restoration, the exterior was fully refinished in the correct DB166 Blue Grey using Mercedes-Benz Glasurit paint materials.
The decision to return the car to its original colour was driven by both historical accuracy and the opportunity to reinstate the understated specification with which the car was originally delivered.
The bodywork was carefully prepared before the new paint system was applied, with attention paid to achieving a consistent finish while preserving the character and proportions of the original 300SL body.
Interior Restoration
The interior was similarly returned to its original specification.
The cabin was comprehensively retrimmed using the correct grain German leather in Black, complemented by the original specification 1090 Black Boucle carpet. A new soft-top was also fitted as part of the restoration.
Throughout the interior and exterior reassembly process, weather seals, clips, gaskets and fixings were renewed where required. Chrome and brightwork were either restored or renewed before being refitted, allowing the finished car to present as a cohesive and authentic example.
The emphasis throughout was on recreating the appearance and feel of the original car rather than introducing unnecessary modernisation.
Final Inspection and Preparation
Following completion of the restoration work, the 300SL underwent a full service and comprehensive health check at Hilton & Moss.
The inspection provided an opportunity to assess the car's mechanical systems following the restoration and recent engine rebuild, ensuring that the Roadster was ready for continued road use.
With the cosmetic work complete, the freshly rebuilt engine having covered minimal mileage and the original matching-numbers components retained, the car represents a combination of originality and recent specialist attention.
A Significant 300SL Roadster
The restoration of this 300SL Roadster demonstrates the importance of balancing cosmetic presentation with historical authenticity.
Rather than simply restoring the car to an attractive condition, the latest work has focused on returning it to its original factory specification while retaining its significant original mechanical components. The result is a Roadster finished in the same DB166 Blue Grey in which it left Stuttgart, with its Black leather interior reinstated and its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, axle, steering box and king pins preserved.
Combined with the comprehensive 2025 engine rebuild, the car now benefits from both an important degree of originality and a recently refreshed mechanical foundation.
The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster remains one of the most significant sports cars of its generation. With its competition-derived engineering, limited production and elegant design, it represents an important chapter in Mercedes-Benz history.
This particular example now enters the next stage of its life having been carefully returned to its original specification, ready to be driven and enjoyed once again.
