Chassis No. 198.042.10.002442
Engine No. 198.980.10.002490
Body No. A198.042.10.000164

In the three years following its debut at the 1954 International Motor Sports Show, the road-going version of the W194 race car earned the adoration of an emerging jet-set clientele, celebrated for its cutting-edge performance and eye-catching “gullwing” doors. The racecar had proven Mercedes-Benz's postwar engineering prowess, securing victories at Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana. Building on this success, the road-going 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, driven by American importer Max Hoffman's vision for a high-performance Mercedes suited to the U.S.-market, soon inspired a push for an open variant aimed at sun-soaked regions like California.

Never one to miss an opportunity for refinement, the engineers in Stuttgart developed a worthy successor, which broke cover in 1957 as the 300 SL Roadster. Replacing its coupe sister, the new model featured numerous technical and cosmetic upgrades while retaining the athletic character that had made the Gullwing a sensation. Transforming the closed Coupe into an open Roadster, however, required more than simply removing the roof; the complex Uhlenhaut-designed spaceframe was extensively reworked to accommodate conventional side-hinged doors, resulting in lower sills for easier ingress and egress while retaining chassis rigidity.

The Roadster received further enhancements beneath the skin to create a more polished and usable grand tourer. A folding soft top alleviated the coupe's tight cabin conditions while relocating the spare tire beneath the trunk and downsizing the fuel tank allowed for generous luggage space suitable for fitted cases. The rear suspension was re-engineered with low-pivot swing axle geometry and softer spring rates, dramatically improving handling and reducing the snap-oversteer characteristic of the coupe, all while preserving the car's poised ride quality.

Under the hood, the Roadster retained its race-derived 3.0-liter straight-six, equipped with Bosch-developed direct fuel injection—an advanced system for its time that ensured precise power delivery and reduced the need for regular tuning compared to traditional carburetors. To offset the Roadster's added weight, the previously optional sport camshaft became standard equipment, increasing output to 240 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. With its advanced engineering, the Roadster had no trouble exceeding 150 miles per hour, depending on the rear axle ratio, and claimed its place as the fastest production car in the world.

The Data Card for this Roadster shows that it was initially delivered to Curaçao as part of the Netherlands Antilles on 22 October 1959 in vibrant Feuerwehrrot (DB 534 Fire Engine Red). Remaining only briefly in the Caribbean, the car was imported to the U.S. where, taken in by its technical prowess, retired World War II Navy veteran Stephen Vidovich purchased the car and brought it to California. As the successful real estate developer and farmer grew his multiple businesses, it afforded him the opportunity to complete his own passion projects, including starting his own winery in 1996. He not only took advantage of the splendid California weather, but the Roadster was also undoubtedly the best way to tour the vineyard and idyllic surrounding area.

After approximately four decades with the Roadster, Vidovich made the extremely difficult decision to find a new home for it. In April 2005, Creighton Helms, who shared numerous similarities with Vidovich, would become the Roadster's second U.S. caretaker. Not only did the two share a passion for exquisite German engineering, but they also shared a profound bond through their military service. Following his retirement from the Army, Helms started several successful businesses in the 1960s which later merged to form Helms Performance Group. The 300 SL Roadster that was once Helms' cherished dream became reality with chassis number 002442 representing the realization of a lifetime goal after years of hard work.

A passionate automotive enthusiast who enjoyed showing and touring his cars, Helms intended to use his newly acquired Roadster for just that purpose. Previous research shows that the car was in largely original condition, benefiting from the warm and dry Southern California climate, and was the ideal basis to commit to a full mechanical service for reliable touring use. It is reported that the car was brought to Irvine, California, where the experts at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center were entrusted to service the car. This included a complete overhaul of the intricate fuel injection pump while a new brake master cylinder was installed. Additional work included the installation of a new convertible soft top and windshield with restored trim work. Inside, the interior was retrimmed with correct grain leather, along with numerous seals fit throughout the body. After its time at the Classic Center, the Roadster emerged with a clean bill of health ready to tackle future driving tours like the picturesque 2008 editions of the Copperstate 1000 and California Mille rallies.

Like Vidovich in 2005, Helms made the difficult decision to part with his beloved Roadster in late 2011. By March 2012, the 300 SL Roadster, chassis 002442, found just its third owner in the past half-century. Just like Helms, after a lifetime in construction and real estate development, the new owner's attention turned toward the hunt for a truly fabulous 300 SL Roadster. The stars would align and, at the conclusion of the search, an enthusiastic racer, pilot, captain, and mechanic—a genuine Renaissance man—became just the third owner of 300 SL Roadster chassis 002442.

As presently offered, this 300 SL Roadster remains a captivating example with loving care over the past 65 years and three extremely passionate stewards. As a result of the preservation mindset of all three, this car has never been the recipient of a body off restoration—an accolade few Roadsters can claim today. This pedigree is further enhanced by its matching-numbers status which upon careful inspection is revealed to include its original chassis, body, and engine.

With few other mid-century classics offering the glamorous style and effortless performance of the 300 SL Roadster, it is no wonder why these cars remain so highly prized by today's collectors. Not only is it a matching numbers example, but few 300 SLs today have remained in largely original condition having never been the subject of a complete body off restoration. With three extremely long-term owners from new who have always rendered the utmost care to this Roadster, such as service work performed at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, it remains a truly captivating example today. Having been dutifully cared for by its three prior long-term owners, its next caretaker can enjoy this 300 SL on grand tours, at concours shows, or simply as a sculptural masterpiece—truly a car that fulfills nearly every automotive desire and anchors any collection.

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Please note this vehicle is titled by its engine number