- Sold new in Havana, Cuba

- Included in two major French collections since 2006

- Important file highlighting recent servicing

- An iconic and operational car

- Eligible for the most prestigious events

- Luggage, hardtop

Launched in 1954, the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing caused a real stir. Not only did it offer an exceptional performance for the period, but the " gullwing " doors were a hit with the public and the press. A publicity stunt by the manufacturer from Stuttgart ? Not really : the 300 SL was entirely shaped by the race track and the relatively high sides of the multi-tubular chassis required this configuration. However, this stunning coupé was not without its flaws and as the months went by, drivers started to complain about its very " radical " character: the heat in the cockpit could become unbearable, made worse by the fact that the windows couldn't be lowered. Also, access for a well-dressed woman in a long dress was far from easy. Max Hoffman, the American Mercedes-Benz importer who had already suggested the idea of the coupé, made his views known again: " We need a roadster version for our clients who live in areas where the weather is good " he declared to those in charge of the German firm. There had been some hesitation about offering such a model, which presented a new technical challenge: the doors would need to descent lower than those on the Gullwing verison, requiring a modification to the chassis. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz went back to the drawing board and succeeded in reducing the height of the structure at the sides without compromising the rigidity. Alterations to the design were carried out by Friedrich Geiger who gave the car a panoramic windscreen and a hood that retracted completely at the rear. Presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1957, this new model replaced the Gullwing coupé, which had ceased production at the start of that year. The roadster was the culmination of the 300 SL's career, representing the ideal compromise between a sporting thoroughbred and a level of refinement expected by the clientèle of cars of this price. It was capable of 240 km/h and was as perfectly suited to covering long distances tirelessly in opulent surroundings, as escorting a passenger in evening dress to the opera. Built meticulously, the handling offered a high level of security due to the modified rear suspension and, from 1961, new disc brakes. The roadster enjoyed a longer career than the coupé and remained in the catalogue until 1963. It was never replaced: the 230 SL that followed did not offer the same sporty styling. Thus, the Mercedes 300 SL roadster represents one of the marque's most emblematic and prestigious models, a milestone in the history of the doyenne of car manufacturers, unifying the two characteristics that symbolise the brand: sport and luxury

This Mercedes has a unique history, as it was delivered new to Cuba. A handful of 300 SL examples were sold in Havana before the Revolution and some of them were even competing at racing events. As evidenced by the production sheet, it left the factory in February 1959 in white colour with a red leather interior and a black hood. As it was the case at the time, it was designated by the factory as the 300SL Coupe, which demonstrates that it was sold by the factory with the hardtop, characteristic it still has to date. It is unknown how this car was exported from Cuba but it was then found in the United States, where it was registered in New Jersey in 2000.

It was imported to France in 2006 on behalf of one of the most important French collectors. The car was then in white and in original condition, to be restored. The engine has its original matching numbers (198.9808500317) but it seems to have been re-stamped on the engine block at an unknown date; we therefore cannot confirm if this is the one fitted to the original car. Eager to use it without encountering any issues, the owner had a large-scale restoration carried out. The bodywork and upholstery was done by various specialists in the South of France and numerous parts were ordered between 2007 and 2009 from German specialists Kienle and HK Engineering (invoice of over €80,000 included in the file). In order for the car to function in an optimal way, he sent it to the vintage workshop of Mathieu Woerle: Alte Stern Manufactur. As a great specialist of this model, he carried out a full mechanical rebuild which included the engine, the gearbox, the axle and the brakes. This work amounted to almost €75,000 in invoices.

To complete his SL collection, our collector was looking for a 300 SL roadster he could display and also drive without any prejudices. Considering the French collection in which this car was part of as well as the quality of work carried out, he acquired this beautiful example in 2016. In 2018 and under the meticulous guidance of Mercedes-Benz, a revision of the fuel circuit and repair of the tanks was carried out by the Klughertz workshop. The injection pump was sent back to Bosch for a full service. This work is detailed in an invoice exceeding €20,000. More recently in 2022, a service was done which included a repair of the oil tank. The car has now a pleasant patina, The interior was carefully redone with black leather seats. The car is equipped with a remanufactured Becker Mexico car radio in order to be operational, as well as a battery switch and an additional cigarette lighter for the passenger. It is equipped with a speedometer graduated in kilometres per hour. An electric power steering was also intelligently fitted for increased driving pleasure. Under the car radio, there is a chrome potentiometer enabling the driver to adjust the level of assistance.

Equipped with its two suitcases which fit in the boot, as well as a black hardtop, along with its original history during which many works have been carried out, this example represents a unique opportunity to be behind the wheel of a legend and participate in the most beautiful events in the world. 

Photos ©Kevin Van Campenhout