Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster 1960, Alemanha

Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster 1960, Alemanha
Fotografia

At the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz introduced a convertible version of the celebrated 300 SL coupe “Gullwing,” the 300 SL Roadster. In an early suggestion of the increasing focus the manufacturer would place on luxury cars over the ensuing decades, the new Roadster was above all a more refined car than its winged predecessor.

There was no denying the 300 SL’s mechanical performance, which had decidedly improved in the Roadster, with the updated six-cylinder engine receiving the competition camshaft used in the NSL racing coupes, good for a boost of 20 hp. Handling also benefited from a revised rear suspension with a lower axle pivot-point, minimizing the tendency for oversteer. Despite the added weight of chassis reinforcement required by an open model, the Roadster was every bit the performance car that the Gullwing had proven itself to be.

The Roadster’s overwhelmingly luxurious character, however, generally obscured its performance capabilities. With a convertible top, the model was never subject to the uncomfortably hot cabin that beguiled the coupe, and the Roadster’s redesigned tube frame afforded lower door sills, facilitating far easier access than the Gullwing’s challenging ingress and egress.

The new 300 SL was an improvement on the Gullwing in nearly every capacity, at least from a road-going perspective, and it has since evolved into one of Stuttgart’s most collectible models, a darling of both concours fields and vintage rallies.

The data card for this 300 SL Roadster notes its delivery new by the Carlo Saporiti dealership in Milan, with a removable hardtop but no soft top (“without cover”), and finished in the rather common color scheme of White over Black leather interior. Interestingly, despite its having been ordered in Milan, the car was built to U.S. specifications, indicating that someone may have been taking what is now known as “tourist delivery.” There was certainly no better automobile in which to be a tourist!

According to a letter on file from Paul Russell & Co., the nearly new 300 SL was acquired in 1961 by Charles Dufton, who had worked as an economist for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, later serving as a marketing and sales analyst for Bendix and as a distinguished faculty member at both Harvard and Northeastern University. A speaker of six languages, he traveled widely, including extensive journeys in China and Tibet, and a visit to South America in which he rafted down the Amazon at the age of 87! Additionally he was involved in the family home contracting business in Andover, Massachusetts. Mr. Dufton’s tastes in automobiles were as interesting and diverse as the man himself; in addition to owning the 300 SL, he was a longtime member of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America and the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club, and in 1997 participated in the London-Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Following Mr. Dufton’s passing in 2000, his daughter, Gayle Nieburger, inherited the car. She sold it through Paul Russell & Co. in 2014, as a very original car with 77,000 miles, which had by then been in the same family for 54 years. Soon thereafter it was purchased by an enthusiast in Southern California who commissioned its restoration by Almar of Kaczory, Poland, a firm staffed by former Daimler-Benz factory employees. The car was mechanically refurbished as-needed and finished in the striking period-correct colors of Anthracite over Beige leather, with correct square-weave carpeting. Upon the 300 SL’s return to the United States, additional cosmetic details under the hood were further sorted, by Hjeltness Restorations of Escondido, California.

Since its acquisition by the current owner, it has continued to be well-maintained by the staff of his private collection, known for the mechanical sorting and meticulous upkeep of its automobiles. To this end the rear differential was changed to 3.25, using parts supplied by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, for faster performance, and the fuel system has been carefully tuned. The car showed about 200 miles when acquired and has been driven over 800 since, very pleasurably. It retains its removable hardtop, in body color, as well as a black soft top, proper set of fitted luggage, a full tool roll, and a jack.

There are always several 300 SL Roadsters for offer, but few boast this car’s desirable combination of an exceptional cosmetic presentation and finely sorted drivetrain, as well as the most desirable optional features of hardtop and fitted luggage. It is a beautiful 300 SL for all manner of touring – in Milan, Massachusetts, or even the far-flung destinations in which its longtime owner enjoyed his adventurous life.

Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster 1957, Alemanha

Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster 1957, Alemanha
Fotografia

The original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was created for the 1952 season to test the waters prior to Mercedes-Benz making a full-scale return to racing competition. It was merely a placeholder until the firm’s 1954 Grand Prix car was completed. To deem this exercise successful is an understatement – a second and fourth at the Mille Miglia; first and second at LeMans and the Nurburgring; the same in the Carrera Panamericana; and one-two-three at Bern.

Mercedes-Benz had no intentions of putting the car into production, but U.S. importer Max Hoffman had ideas of his own. Hoffman convinced Daimler-Benz to offer a production model by ordering 1,000 of them to-be-built and sent to the United States. Since the competition model had been sourced from off-the-shelf parts of Mercedes-Benz’s 300-series saloon cars, it seemed relatively easy for the manufacturer to honor his request. The resulting car however, was exceedingly complex mechanically and not really designed for volume production. Nonetheless, thanks to the persistence (and clout) of Hoffman, M-B proceeded with limited production.

The 300 SL became the first Mercedes to be introduced in the United States before it was shown in Germany. Unveiled in New York on February 6, 1954, it took the automotive world by storm. The SL or “super light” moniker reflected the pioneering use of multi-tube space frame construction. It also featured fully-independent suspension in addition to its 240 bhp 2,996 cc straight six with dry sump lubrication and Bosch mechanical fuel-injection (the first production car to do so); the motor inclined to the side in order to reduce the height of the bonnet. Power was delivered through a four-speed manual gearbox giving the car a 150mph top speed and 0-60 mph time of just 8.8 seconds; making it the fastest production automobile of its time. The result was a car that you could buy in New York City in 1954 for a princely sum of $6,820.00 and cruise to your weekend home in Connecticut at top speed, should you dare.

The spectacular Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing remained in production for three years (through 1957), during which just 1,400 cars – not including racers and prototypes – were built largely by-hand in Stuttgart’s highest luxury car traditions. Despite the low volume, Daimler-Benz was sufficiently convinced of the value of an expensive sports car as part of its model lineup to develop an improved version.

U. S. importer Max Hoffman is claimed as being largely responsible for Mercedes’ decision to build a roadster version of the gullwing coupe. About 80 percent of production was delivered to the United States and Hoffman was convinced his pampered customers wanted a bit more comfort, a larger trunk, and the open-air driving experience a convertible afforded. Whether or not Hoffman prompted the decision, the roadster made its first appearance in the spring of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show. By the end of the year, the final 70 gullwing coupes and the first 618 roadsters produced came off the assembly line. More importantly, it established a long history of high-performance two-seat convertibles as part of the Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. Roadster production ended on February 8, 1963 after 1,858 were produced.

This beautiful 300 SL has known history from new and its history is highlighted in the Gullwing Group Roadster Registry. It was delivered new to the United States on October 15, 1957, originally in DB 050 White over DB 333 blue leather along with a folding fabric top in 896 dark blue. As a U.S. delivery car, it retains its proper U.S.-spec headlights with separate turn indicators, bumper guards, and a speedometer registering in miles per hour. A correct factory hardtop finished to match the body color and fitted luggage as originally specified are also included; along with a service manual, M-B Classic documentation, and all books and records. The Becker Mexico radio originally ordered with the car, is retained, too.

Philip C. Kennedy of Las Vegas, Nevada owned the car for many years. Under his ownership, the 300 SL received a comprehensive body-on restoration of the highest standards which included body, chrome, trim, leather, upholstery, engine, and a complete mechanical overhaul. All of this work is documented and included in a large file to remain with the vehicle. It is available for inspection upon request. Kennedy became ill and sold the roadster for a then-record sum to a well-known dealer/collector during which time a major service was completed and a new clutch installed. During subsequent ownership, the vehicle participated in road rally events and more recently, was serviced and attended to by David Grant of David Grant, Ltd. in order to maintain its high standards, both mechanically and cosmetically.

Today, finished in a stunning combination of red over black leather along with a contrasting black convertible roof and chrome wheels, this Mercedes-Benz continues to delight. Recently, all fluids have been changed and the front and rear bumpers re-chromed. Both the paint and interior are described as in excellent condition and everything works as intended. The consigner notes that the 300 SL starts easily and drives great and is the perfect example to drive and enjoy as Mercedes-Benz intended.

Oldsmobile 88 Station Wagon 1949, Estados Unidos

Oldsmobile 88 Station Wagon 1949, Estados Unidos
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It’s fair to say, at no time in the history of Oldsmobile since the introduction of the Curved Dash model did the company make such an impact as it did with the introduction of the Rocket V-8 on September 15, 1948. Oldsmobile introduced what is considered America’s first modern overhead valve V-8 engine. Available in both 88 and 98 models, the new engine offered impressive stats for the day – 7:25 to 1 compression ratio, 135 bhp at 3,600 rpm and 263 lb/ft of torque at 1,800 rpm.

Styling was all-new, too. Called Futuramic by Olds marketers, the sleek Harley Earl design was concurrent with the introduction of the industry’s first production “hardtop convertible” dubbed Holiday. An Olds 88 convertible paced the Indy 500. And, NASCAR stock car racers quickly found out that new V-8 was the hot ticket. Of nine races on the 1949 season, Olds took the checkered flag six times.

An all-new wagon was offered in the 76 and 88 Series. The Fisher-supplied body came equipped with leather upholstery and mahogany panels. By mid-year, the wood trim was gone and Olds joined the ranks of those offering all-steel wagons. Just 1,355 were produced. Data does not exist as to how many wood trim vs. all-steel wagons were built. Regardless, one can assume this is a rare vehicle due to the switch in production.

Finished in Seafoam Green with contrasting cream-colored wheels, this handsome wagon is the beneficiary of a professional ground-up restoration, completed in October 2015. It is equipped with 135 bhp 303 cu. in. V-8, Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, pushbutton AM radio, and clock. Outside, the beautiful wood trim is accented by the proper rear fender skirts and period-appropriate Silvertown wide-whitewall tires. Paint, chrome, wood trim, and the red leather interior all present beautifully. Since restoration the car has been used sparingly and as a result, the consignor reports that it drives great and is in beautiful condition throughout.