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