Mecum, Monterey and Mercedes-Benz: it’s a matchup made in heaven, and when Mecum Auctions starts rolling cars across the auction block at the Del Monte Golf Course at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa this August 15-17, a truly impressive selection of some of the iconic German marque’s most recognizable sports cars will be among the stacked automotive lineup.
Leading the way among those on offer from the German marque are a pair of the iconic 300SL Gullwings. Universally recognized as a design and engineering tour de force in every respect, the 1954-57 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing coupes continue to rank among the ultimate sports cars ever produced. Upon its debut, the road-going 300SL carried a virtually unbeatable reputation based upon the lightweight and devastatingly successful W194 competition coupes; it was also fitted with many race-derived features and given an SL designation that translated to “Sports Lightweight” in English. A standout among even the mere 1,400 produced from 1954 to ’57, the Code DB-229G Mittelgrün 1955 Gullwing (Lot S98) is a rarity as the only of its kind known to be finished new in its medium green color over a green and gray leather-trimmed interior. Previously owned by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, it was the subject of a meticulous body-off restoration in the late 2000s, with final fit, finish and service work completed by Scott Grundfor Co. in 2022. Sharing the Grundfor connection, the 1957 Gullwing (Lot F86) is a very-late production example, among the last Gullwings ever built, and it benefits handsomely from a more recent restoration and mechanical refurbishment by Canepa Design.
While the Gullwing coupes are certainly a sight to behold, it’s also hard to argue the appeal of a Mercedes-Benz 300SL in open-top roadster form. Following the success of the legendary Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz introduced its successor, the 300SL Roadster, to the public in 1957 at the Geneva Auto Salon. Joining the Monterey lineup are two first-year examples of the 300SL Roadster, from a total of just 618 produced that first year. The first (Lot F91) served for 50 years as a centerpiece of the venerated Rodolfo Junco De La Vega Collection until 2023, during which a 2010 comprehensive restoration to factory specs returned it to its factory-correct color combination of Code DB608 Ivory with a Code 1079 Red leather interior and Code 872 Black convertible top, all while retaining the original body. Meanwhile, the other 300SL Roadster (Lot S106) was refurbished in its original exterior color of DB180 Silver Grey, and its original 2996cc inline-6 engine and 4-speed manual gearbox were both rebuilt by Scott Grundfor Co. Of course, the 300SL Roadster wasn’t the first Mercedes-Benz in roadster form, and a testament to that is the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster (Lot F62) on offer, a model that debuted alongside the dazzling 300SL Gullwing in 1954. According to its factory data card and special-order supplemental build sheet, this Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster was delivered new in a rare two-tone paint scheme of DB40 Black with a DB180 Silver hardtop over a 1079 Red leather interior with red carpets; a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration to concours standards and as-delivered specs by former Can-Am racer and marque expert Lothar Motschenbacher has it in the same color combination today, including the DB180 Silver large-window hardtop.
For full details on each of the lots, the Monterey auction and information on how to bid, head on over to Mecum.com.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Chassis no. 7500563, the 1957 300SL Roadster, is number 526 of the 618 produced in its first production year. It was part of the Rodolfo Junco De La Vega Collection from 1973 to 2023 and underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2010 to factory-correct specifications. Displayed at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, this roadster retains its original body and features a 2996cc inline 6-cylinder engine with matching numbers gearbox and Super-Leicht 3.89 rear end. It sports a factory-correct DB608 Ivory exterior, 1079 Red leather interior, and 872 Black convertible top. A recent mechanical refresh by Bob Smith Coachworks included new clutch, fuel lines, and numerous rebuilt components. It comes with books, manuals, and a copy of the build sheet.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Chassis no. 5500263, one of 1,400 produced between 1954 and 1957, was purchased by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation in January 1973. It underwent a meticulous body-off restoration by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in the late 2000s, with final fit and finish by Scott Grundfor Co. in 2022. Displayed periodically in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection from 2015-2020 and part of the museum’s Basement Collection when not on the main floor, this U.S. market example was delivered to Mercedes-Benz Distributors of New York on April 30, 1955. It is the only known model delivered in Mittelgrun over Green and Gray leather, featuring an original matching numbers rebuilt 3.0L fuel-injected inline 6-cylinder engine, a 4-speed manual transmission, and refinished in Beige leather. The restoration included a powder-coated frame, new rubber suspension components, polished brightwork, and period-correct Michelin tires. The car comes with a copy of the factory build sheet, restoration photos, documentation, and service receipts from Scott Grundfor Co.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
This very late production example is one of the last 300SL Gullwings built, and one of only 70 produced for 1957, out of a total of 1,400. It features Rudge-style wheels, factory belly pans, and fitted luggage. Previously restored by Scott Grundfor, it underwent a more recent restoration and mechanical refurbishment by Canepa Design. The car includes solid Red leather seat inserts and has an engine number of 1989807500042.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
One of only 618 Roadsters produced in 1957, this model features the original matching numbers 2996cc inline 6-cylinder engine (engine no. 1989807500474) and a 4-speed manual gearbox, both rebuilt by Scott Grundfor & Company. It has been refurbished in its original DB180 Silver Grey color and includes an early production horn ring directional light actuator. The car comes complete with a tool roll, jack, owner’s manual, and a copy of the original data card.
1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster
Commissioned new by FA D.B.N.A. Los Angeles on April 13, 1959, and imported to the United States by Daimler-Benz of North America at Rockefeller Center, New York on April 23, 1959, this car was discovered in 2014 after being parked in a Southern California garage since 1978. It underwent a meticulous nut and bolt restoration to concours standards by marque expert Lothar Motschenbacher, completed in 2016, and has driven less than 450 miles since. Retaining all original body panels and floors, it features a DB40 Black exterior over a 1079 Red leather interior, with a restored DB180 Silver large window hardtop and detailed undercarriage. Optioned with a rare transverse seat behind the passenger seat, it includes copies of factory data cards, the original California Black plate, correct tools, bags, and jack, restoration photos, and engine no. 121921199500978. The car was featured in the January/February 2016 issue of 190SL Enthusiast Magazine, with the issue included.
