Car enthusiasts are nothing if not a passionate group, and many a fervent bar-side debate has conspired about what makes a car count among the greatest of all time. Of course, there’s no simple answer, but any debate must surely include the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. In its production form, the 300 SL was the brainchild of the seemingly clairvoyant Max Hoffman, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz automobiles to the United States—and the man responsible for bringing the Volkswagen Beetle to the U.S. and inspiring the creation of cars like the Porsche 356 Speedster and BMW 507. Hoffman felt Mercedes-Benz could use a halo model to boost its post-war image. For his basis, Hoffman looked to the W194; a brilliant, streamlined endurance racing car powered by a heavily modified version of the 300 Adenauer’s 3.0-liter inline-six.
Today, there are a multitude of reasons why the 300 SL is a foundational collector car—with style, versatility, and effortless performance rising to the top of the list. With its desirable Rest of World headlamps, disc brakes, a numbers-matching engine, and an exceptional original livery, this lovingly restored and cherished 300 SL Roadster ticks all the boxes for the active collector. Suited to casual concours display or driving joy on events like the Colorado Grand or Copperstate 1000, it is the ideal cornerstone for any serious automotive collection.
Recognizing the significance of this icon, Broad Arrow Auctions is pleased to offer this eminently desirable 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster at the inaugural Las Vegas Auction on 31 October. Held in partnership with Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Auction marks a new event on the discerning collector’s calendar. With a weekend dedicated to celebrating the automobile, this is your opportunity to acquire exceptional collector cars surrounded by the unmatched energy and amenities of Las Vegas.
To fully appreciate the allure of the 300 SL Roadster offered here, one must look back at the origins of the model and its transformative impact on sports car design. In the early 1950s, the ever-compelling Hoffman successfully lobbied the board of directors in Stuttgart to develop the W194 into a world-class GT production car. Under the guidance of Mercedes’ brilliant lead engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, it became the 300 Sports Leicht – internally the W198 – staying remarkably faithful to the race car’s design. The signature “Gullwing” doors of the coupe were a result of the car’s tubular spaceframe chassis. Proving Mercedes was one of the leading automotive engineering forces, this engine features revolutionary Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection. Despite a hefty price tag of $11,000 in 1955, Mercedes-Benz sold an impressive 1,400 units of the exotic 300 SL Gullwing.
Hoffman remained heavily involved throughout the 300 SL’s production run, analyzing feedback from his clients and relaying it to the top brass in Germany. His instincts had proven reliable, and the factory remained receptive to Hoffman’s ideas. Hoffman reckoned a convertible would boost sales whilst allowing engineers to address some of the coupe’s shortcomings. Along with revised styling, the roadster got a redesigned rear swing axle with a lower pivot point to tame the coupe’s penchant for high-speed snap oversteer. All roadsters were also equipped with the previously optional “NSL” camshaft, which offered 20 more horsepower and more than counteracted the roadster’s increased weight. The space frame chassis was lightly modified to accommodate traditional doors, making ingress/egress much more civilized. Even with the optional hardtop in place, the roadster’s roll-up side windows made for vastly improved ventilation and long-distance comfort. Near the end of production, the 300 SL was further updated with four-wheel disc brakes by 1961. A total of 1,858 Roadsters were produced from 1957 through 1963 and undoubtedly enjoy enviable status as a keystone of the collector car market.
Chassis number 002989 is a late production car featuring highly desirable disc brakes that has been in the care of notable enthusiasts for the past 30-plus years. This is a U.S.-market car, which, according to the accompanying Mercedes-Benz Data Card, left the Sindelfingen factory finished in the stunning color scheme of Graphite Grey (DB190) over Medium Red leather upholstery (203), which is how it is presented today. Despite being one of the ten standard colors, Graphite Grey was applied to just 124 cars when new, or 6.6% of total Roadster production according to 300 SL historian Chris Kramer.
In the late 1980s, 002989 was in the care of the late Mr. Willem van Huystee of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A modern renaissance man of sorts, van Huystee was an avid car collector, he spoke several languages and his profession as an international tobacco trader afforded him the opportunity to travel the world. In his free time, Willem relished the challenge of restoring fine automobiles and had a particular love for European sports cars. He also thoroughly enjoyed driving his cars, competing in the Mille Miglia on ten separate occasions.
Willem van Huystee restored several significant cars in his home workshop, including this 300 SL Roadster. Photos on file before the restoration reveal this was an honest driver-quality car when Willem acquired it, and letters from him to the last owner state that he initially intended to freshen it up for driving, a project which he began in 1991. But as often happens with car enthusiasts, the project scope grew as he simply wasn’t satisfied with a partial job. Before long, the body was removed from the chassis, and van Huystee embarked on a comprehensive, highly detailed restoration. Some expert assistance was utilized along the way, notably that of Paul Russell & Company, who rebuilt the engine, transmission, kingpin front suspension, and brakes.
Through contacts with the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Archive (in the days before the MB Classic Center), Mr. van Huystee confirmed the 002989’s original livery and specifications, and restored it accordingly. Small liberties were taken, including a conversion to the more attractive and effective European headlamps, and removal of the U.S.-market rear reflectors, as he felt the changes best suited the SL’s original design.
In 1998, van Huystee sold his restored SL Roadster to another experienced collector, Mr. John J. Schumann, Jr. of Vero Beach, Florida. As part of his acquisition, it was inspected by Paul Russell & Company, who returned a clean bill of health, noting only minor imperfections. Mr. Schumann continued to enjoy the car sparingly while also tending to its needs. The invoices on file show that in 2006, Paul Russell and Company performed extensive servicing and fine tuning.
More recently, in September of 2025, this 300 SL was entrusted to the care of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA for service and light recommissioning in preparation for sale. The restoration by Mr. van Huystee has aged remarkably well, reflecting not only the care he put into the project, but the care it has received by its subsequent care takers.
It remains a splendid example, displaying a lightly mellowed character as the restoration aged. The roadster’s timeless lines look particularly fetching in this shade of Graphite Grey, accented by excellent chrome trim, a black canvas soft top and that lush red leather interior. The cabin is similarly patinated, with the authentic character earned through years of gentle use. Instruments, switchgear, and controls are proper items, and this car is equipped with a period-correct Becker radio. Under the bonnet, the original, numbers-matching 3.0-liter inline-six is well detailed with authentic decals, labels, and finishes yet it shows just enough character to be usable for rallies and events. Accompanying items include restoration photos, Becker radio manual, service receipts, and correspondence.
For additional information on this 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, offered from Broad Arrow Auctions, or for how to register to bid for their upcoming Las Vegas auction—please visit broadarrowauctions.com.
