Formerly called RM Auctions, RM Sotheby’s is a classic car auction company located in Blenheim, Ontario, known for organizing a number of auctions and private sales as well as providing restoration services.
Their most recent venture features a private sale of the remarkable 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, priced at an exorbitant $1.1 Million.
Photo Courtesy: RM Sotheby’s / Instagram
Created as a replacement for the 300 SL Coupe, the idea for the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was first introduced in 1954. Considering a convertible as an ideal body for Mercedes-Benz’s target market, the German marque unveiled a prototype 300 SL Roadster at the Geneva motor show in May that year. The first production example of the Roadster made its public debut at the Geneva Salon in May 1957.
Photo Courtesy: RM Sotheby’s / Instagram
The 300 SL Roadster featured conventional doors and a convertible top, with various other alterations that addressed the shortcomings of the 300 SL Coupe specifically the limited boot space as well as the difficulties that customers faced while entering and exiting the car.
Photo Courtesy: RM Sotheby’s / Instagram
More space
The sills were lowered to address the boot space issue, which increased the size of the cabin and added to the ease of entry. The suspension was equipped with low-pivot swing axles at the rear of the car. The spare wheel was mounted under the boot floor and the fuel tank was reduced in size to increase the boot space and accommodate an optional $85 factory fitted luggage set.
Photo Courtesy: RM Sotheby’s
The 300 SL Roadster was powered by the M198 inline six-cylinder engine, said to develop 240 horsepower. A four-speed manual transmission delivered power to the rear wheels. The engine was rebuilt with new pistons, rocker arms, valves, and cylinder head. The gearbox and axle were rebuilt, and the braking system was overhauled.
Photo Courtesy: RM Sotheby’s
Back to original glory
The paintwork appears in the original silver colour matching factory records while the red leather interior has been treated by the experts at Paris Pagode— a young company created in 2018 that is dedicated to the renovation, maintenance and transactions of Mercedes SL of the first three generations.
Photo Courtesy: RM Sotheby’s / Instagram
Chassis number 7500518 retains its original engine. The new model was finally ready in September 2017, 10 years after the restoration process had begun and is considered to be extremely rare since it has had only six owners since it first came out.
Photo Courtesy: RM Sotheby’s / Instagram
The sale organised by RM Sotheby’s will be conducted in Monaco via a private sale listed on the company’s website. For anyone willing to shell out $1.1 Million on this rare beauty, check out the sale here.
