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Chassis No. 198.042.10.002818
Engine No. 198.980.10.002872
Body No. 198.042.00080
King Pin No. 002875
Steering Box. No. 002884
Rear Axle No. 002991

Only a few short years after emerging from the devastation brought about by World War II, Mercedes-Benz created the technologically advanced W194 300 SL race car. A sports racing car like no other, it not only recorded overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana, but it is also responsible—along with Max Hoffman—for the creation of the 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe. An instant sales success, the road-going Gullwing became a feather in Max Hoffman's cap providing the persuasive U.S. importer with the required political capital to convince Mercedes' board members that a convertible variant for the 300 SL Coupe would be equally successful if aimed squarely at the California market.

The creation of the Roadster involved more engineering than simply removing the roof and adding a few strengthening braces. For starters, the advanced space frame required a redesign to accommodate conventional doors instead of the coupe's roof-hinged Gullwing doors. The removal of the roof created a knock-on effect in other areas. Additional trunk space was required due to the loss of rear seat storage when the convertible top was retracted. Reducing the fuel tank capacity to 100 liters allowed the spare tire to be stored beneath the trunk floor. These changes then allowed the inclusion of two pieces of fitted luggage, if so optioned.

The Roadster featured a host of technical improvements benefiting the driver as well. A redesigned rear suspension with a low pivot swing axle reduced mid-corner, off-throttle snap oversteer. This change, along with softer springs, created a more forgiving suspension and produced a wonderfully compliant yet capable car. The engine, in typical Mercedes-Benz style, was at the forefront of technology. Working in partnership with Bosch to develop not only the world's first fuel injected production car, but one with direct fuel injection! This system delivered a precise amount of highly pressurized fuel directly into each cylinder at just the right moment for optimal performance. Alpine passes could now be easily traversed without a single adjustment to the engine for optimal running. The previously optional competition camshaft now became a standard feature on all Roadsters. Offering a 15 PS increase over the Coupe, the Roadster was an extremely strong runner with 215 PS at 5,800 rpm in standard form.

Chassis number 002818 is one of just 250 examples manufactured in 1961 at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim according to the Gull Wing Group. Built to U.S. specifications, it was fitted with sealed beam headlights (code 720) and originally finished in the refined and timeless shade of White (050) with red leather interior. First sold in the United States in 1962, the car was known to be in San Diego, California, before being registered, according to its archives, in 1978 (already repainted in silver at that point) in the upscale coastal city of Rancho Palos Verdes, California—a location known for its serene residential streets and commanding views over the Pacific Ocean—under the names of Earl and Betti Eichhorn, with whom it remained through 1987, bearing California blue plate number 487 NXZ. This distinctive registration may well have reflected the profession of its owner, Earl Eichhorn, a former U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving in the 210th Aviation Battalion whose daring background echoed the spirit of the 300 SL itself.

In 1987, the car embarked on a new chapter, being exported to Europe and registered in Sweden under the number CLP 380-4 (Bill of sale for $35,000 dated 1987 available on file). Presented then as it remains today, the owner treasured the car and kept it in his possession for 27 years, until it was exported to Germany in 2014. Extensively documented, this 300 SL Roadster is offered with its correct pouch, owner's manual, and history file including Datenkarte as well period photos and invoices for work carried out.

The oil service sticker from 1976, adhered to the paintwork, together with recent coating thickness measurements, confirm that the car has likely only been resprayed once, with high-quality in-period work believed to have been carried out in the 1970s, some fifty years ago. Presented today in a lovely condition with beautifully preserved paint and its original leather interior, enhanced by an appealing patina.

According to the accompanying Datenkarte, this 300 SL “disc-brake” Roadster is a matching-numbers example, retaining its original factory plates and stampings on the chassis, engine, body, king pin, steering box and rear axle. Even the four wheels plus spare wheel are original and correctly date stamped. Apart from the replacement of the transmission with an original Mercedes-Benz factory unit and the conversion of the headlights to the desirable European specification, the car appears to be impressively original with no signs of any major previous restoration work carried out. Recently the car has benefited from important mechanical work by official Mercedes-Benz Center Legends Duda-Cars. Works included a new fuel tank, new fuel sender and revision of the all-important injection fuel pump system. Moreover, the car received a major service with invoice on file and at the same time the engine bay has benefited from meticulous dry-ice cleaning.

This example, equipped with both disc brakes and the cast iron engine block from new, ranks among the ultimate specification 300 SL Roadsters with approximately 270 produced, and in light of its rarity and exceptional level of authenticity, it represents a truly remarkable opportunity for discerning collectors.

Documents: Swedish Registreringsbevis