Rare 1957 Mercedes 300 SL Could Fetch 7 Figures, Despite Horrific Condition

Forgotten Treasure from a Renowned Collection

A 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, part of the Rudi Klein Collection, is heading to auction on October 26, 2024, expected to sell for between $800,000 and $1 million. Klein, an immigrant from Germany to the U.S., built a fortune importing European cars and founded Porsche Foreign Auto in 1967. Although Klein passed away in 2001, his family preserved his vast car collection, which had fallen into disrepair over the years. The centerpiece of this auction, the SL Roadster, remains a highly sought-after model, despite its neglected condition.

A Rare Example in Dire Need of Restoration

This particular Mercedes-Benz, chassis number 7500173, is one of only 554 SL Roadsters built in 1957. Originally painted Fire Engine Red, the car’s once vibrant color has been completely stripped away, exposing bare metal. The vehicle’s odometer reads just over 17,873 kilometers (around 11,106 miles), but its long period of neglect has left it in desperate need of restoration. A combination of weather exposure and time has deteriorated much of the original red leather interior, with the seats in tatters and the bodywork covered in soil and grime. The 300 SL’s iconic Rudge wheels and its 1:3.42-ratio rear axle, rarities in themselves, remain among its few redeeming features.

Engineering Prowess Meets Collector Appeal

When the 300 SL Roadster debuted in 1957, it was an engineering marvel. It boasted a redesigned chassis for easier access, contrasting with its Gullwing predecessor, which had dramatic but less practical upward-opening doors. Powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 240 horsepower, the Roadster could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 9.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 146 mph. However, this particular car’s performance will remain theoretical for now, as it needs far more than just basic maintenance.

Once-Prized Features Now Hidden by Time

Beyond its chassis, engine, and rare Rudge wheels, this Roadster retains several unique original features. It came equipped with a Becker Mexico radio and a bespoke Mercedes-Benz luggage set, though both items have deteriorated badly. What used to be a luxurious cabin has suffered severe neglect, requiring more than just a light restoration. The Roadster’s once-cream leather seats have been slashed and left to rot, showcasing the decades of indifference the car has faced.

The Auction Block Awaits

While it may look like a lost cause, this 300 SL Roadster still holds significant appeal for collectors willing to take on the challenge. With an expected auction price between $800,000 and $1 million, it offers an exciting project for the right buyer. The average price for a well-preserved example of the 1957 SL Roadster is $1.4 million, and the highest ever recorded sale was $3.1 million. Whether this battered but historically significant car will meet those heights after restoration remains to be seen, but it’s an opportunity that classic car enthusiasts may find irresistible.

Iconic but Forgotten

The Roadster’s journey from its original owner in Kitzingen, Germany, to its current state is largely undocumented, but its rarity and potential value are undeniable. Despite being hidden from the public eye for decades, this car has resurfaced as a unique opportunity to revive a legendary vehicle. For the right collector, it represents more than just a car—it’s a piece of automotive history ready to be brought back to life.

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