Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Vintage Mercedes 300SL Found in Warehouse, Expected to Sell for $1 Million

newautopost Views  

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Discovered Abandoned in Warehouse
Estimated Value Up To $1 Million

Sotheby

A long-forgotten 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, recently uncovered in a Los Angeles warehouse, has collectors buzzing with excitement. Despite its heavily damaged exterior, the rare vehicle is projected to fetch between $800,000 and $1 million at auction, a surprising estimate given its current condition.

This rare 300SL was owned by Rudy Klein, a businessman who specialized in importing and scrapping European cars. After relocating to the U.S., Klein stored a collection of classic vehicles in a Los Angeles warehouse, where they sat untouched following his death in 2001.

Sotheby
Sotheby

The vehicle remained in the warehouse for a long time and suffered severe exterior damage

After Rudy Klein passed away, the vehicles remained in storage, largely forgotten and unappreciated. To the untrained eye, they appeared as nothing more than old cars on the brink of being scrapped, making it difficult to assess their true worth. It wasn’t until more than 20 years later that his family rediscovered the collection, shedding light on the valuable treasures within.

While most vehicles have suffered extensive damage and lost much of their value, the 300SL Roadster stands out. Though in poor condition, it is still considered restorable. This model is particularly special because it’s one of only 30 equipped with rare Rudge wheels, a feature highly prized by collectors, adding to its allure and potential value.

Sotheby
Sotheby

Total accumulated driving range of approximately 17,000 km
Most parts are preserved

The gearbox on the 300SL appears to have been replaced, but the engine, body, and front and rear axles retain their original part numbers, matching the factory codes. This means that despite the visible wear, the car has largely preserved its original components. Also, the car has a low accumulated mileage of just 17,873 km (11,106 miles), indicating it was stored for much of its life. If the external damage had been less, its value would be expected to be higher.

The problem is that restoring the damaged car seems quite difficult. The Fire Engine Red color that was painted on the exterior has completely peeled off, and rust has appeared all over the body. One side of the front headlights has been removed, and the old tires also seem to need to be replaced. However, since the body is mostly straight, the original shape is expected to be maintained without damage during restoration.

Sotheby
Sotheby

It’s like picking up a lottery ticket in a warehouse

The interior, once a showpiece with its striking red leather seats, is also in dire condition. The leather has deteriorated beyond repair, and rust has crept into various parts of the interior. Restorers will need to tackle rust removal, repainting, and likely a full reupholstering of the seats. The restoration costs are expected to be high, but the vehicle’s rarity and historical significance make the investment worthwhile to collectors.

Currently registered with Sotheby’s, this rare 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is set to hit the auction block. For those lucky enough to have the resources, restoring this classic car could feel like hitting the automotive lottery.

newautopost
content@www.kangnamtimes.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[TECH] Latest Stories

  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s 'Ugliest Car' Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist
  • BMW M3 to Feature 600 HP Mild Hybrid Powertrain—No Plug-in Hybrid Here!
  • Subaru BRZ Purple Edition: Only 500 Units Available in North America for $35,445
  • Brazil’s Beloved Nivus Gets a Facelift: New GTS Model Starts at $24,480

Weekly Best Articles

  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist
  • THIS is the Country Jensen Huang Thinks Will Lead the AI Revolution
  • Volkswagen Shutting Down German Plant for the First Time Ever—Big Layoffs Expected
  • Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited
  • Google’s Tax Tricks: How They Pay Pennies on Billions in Korean Revenue
  • BJ Juice Se Yeon Deletes ‘Suspicious’ Photo with Kim Haon—Fans Speculate Romance

You May Also Like

  • 1
    G-Dragon’s Secret Addiction? The K-pop Star Can’t Stop Watching Dating Shows

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Chef Triple Star Shows Up at Event Despite Explosive Cheating and Embezzlement Claims

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Jaehyun Joins the Military—Here’s What Happens to His Career While He’s Away

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    From Co-Stars to Couple: Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eon on Their New Relationship

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    Cha Eun Woo Honored for Impact on Korean Culture, Plans Global Outreach

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Sunwoo Jung A Praises IU’s Kindness and Talent in Candid Interview

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    GOT7 Leader JAY B Returns from Military Service, Addresses Past Controversies

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    ‘You Idiot’: Yang Hong Won’s Message to Rapper in Drug Scandal

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    Chef Choi’s Shocking Confession: TV Fame Hurt My Restaurant!

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    NewJeans’ Danielle’s Sister, Olivia Marsh, Set to Shine at Major Asian Music Fest

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Weekly Best Articles

  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist
  • THIS is the Country Jensen Huang Thinks Will Lead the AI Revolution
  • Volkswagen Shutting Down German Plant for the First Time Ever—Big Layoffs Expected
  • Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited
  • Google’s Tax Tricks: How They Pay Pennies on Billions in Korean Revenue
  • BJ Juice Se Yeon Deletes ‘Suspicious’ Photo with Kim Haon—Fans Speculate Romance

Must-Reads

  • 1
    G-Dragon’s Secret Addiction? The K-pop Star Can’t Stop Watching Dating Shows

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Chef Triple Star Shows Up at Event Despite Explosive Cheating and Embezzlement Claims

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    Jaehyun Joins the Military—Here’s What Happens to His Career While He’s Away

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    From Co-Stars to Couple: Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eon on Their New Relationship

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    Cha Eun Woo Honored for Impact on Korean Culture, Plans Global Outreach

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Sunwoo Jung A Praises IU’s Kindness and Talent in Candid Interview

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    GOT7 Leader JAY B Returns from Military Service, Addresses Past Controversies

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 3
    ‘You Idiot’: Yang Hong Won’s Message to Rapper in Drug Scandal

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    Chef Choi’s Shocking Confession: TV Fame Hurt My Restaurant!

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    NewJeans’ Danielle’s Sister, Olivia Marsh, Set to Shine at Major Asian Music Fest

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Share it on...