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15 of 170 lots
Lot 15
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
Estimate:
$1,400,000 - $1,700,000
Starting bid:
$700,000
Passed
Live Auction
Pebble Beach Auctions 2023
Description
George L. Kremer Jr., New York, New York (acquired new in 1958)
Charles Jenkins Jr., Lakeland, Florida (acquired by 1976)
Reynold “Ron” C. Murray, Englewood, Colorado (acquired by 1980)
Jill and Douglas S. Schatz, Fort Collins, Colorado (acquired from the above in 1997)
Randy Holt, Lakewood, Washington (acquired from the above in 2020)
Current Owner

Chassis: 198.042.7500669
Engine: 198.980.7500618

Outstanding, Collector-Grade Example Throughout
Recent Expert Refinish by Coachwerks Restoration
Earlier Body-Off Restoration by Hjeltness Restoration
Retains Matching-Numbers Engine per Factory Build Record
Includes Karl Baisch Fitted Luggage, Hardtop, Tools, Manuals, Jack, and Service Records

2,996 CC SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
250 BHP at 6,200 RPM
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Front and Rear Independent Suspension with Coil Springs

One of the most electrifying and unforgettable postwar sports cars ever built, the 1957–1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster requires little, if any, introduction. Blessed with outstanding provenance from new, this 1958 Roadster, finished in triple black, truly is an outstanding example.

According to the original service booklet which still accompanies the car, this 300 SL Roadster was delivered new on March 14, 1958, to George L. Kremer Jr., a resident of New York City’s Fifth Avenue. The son of a New York City salon owner, Mr. Kremer earned renown in 1932 by creating Roux, one of the first commercially successful hair-coloring products. Mr. Kremer took delivery of the US-specification 300 SL in Europe and then toured the continent from March until July that year. The service booklet is duly stamped by European Mercedes-Benz centers during Mr. Kremer’s travels, with the first in Munich, then Paris and Geneva – beginning and ending at 325 and 2,200 miles. The car was shipped to the US by August 1958, as another stamp shows a service completed at 5,000 miles in New York. According to a copy of the factory production record, Mr. Kremer’s 300 SL was factory-equipped with a Becker Mexico radio and was finished in Graphitgrau (Graphite Grey, DB 190) over Hellgrau (Light Grey, DB 955) leather upholstery and a light gray folding top.

According to the Gull Wing Group, the next recorded owner of this 300 SL was Charles Jenkins Jr. of Lakeland, Florida. A successful businessman with a Harvard PhD, Mr. Jenkins eventually became the CEO of Florida’s Publix supermarket chain, which was established in 1930 by his uncle. By 1980, the Mercedes-Benz was owned by Reynold “Ron” C. Murray of Englewood, Colorado. Mr. Murray co-founded Royal Electronics Corp. in 1967, a leading radio manufacturer which produced one of the first transmitters for remotely controlled model airplanes in the 1960s.

In 1990, Mr. Murray commissioned the esteemed Mercedes-Benz marque specialists at Hjeltness Restoration of Escondido, California, to perform a body-off restoration, which was completed in October 1991. Colorado technology-company founder Douglas S. Schatz and his wife Jill purchased the Roadster from Mr. Murray in 1997, adding it to their noted collection of postwar European sporting legends. Heated garage storage helped maintain the Roadster’s exemplary condition under the careful watch of Mr. and Mrs. Schatz, who went on to retain it until early 2020. According to notes on file, Mrs. Schatz took her mother on annual drives in the 300 SL to Estes Park, Colorado. Sparingly enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs. Schatz over their more than two decades of ownership, the Roadster nonetheless received expert mechanical attention by Farland Classic Restoration of Englewood, Colorado, with invoices confirming service to the ignition and fuel systems, plus a rebuild of the fuel-injection pump.

In January 2020, the 300 SL passed from Mr. and Mrs. Schatz to a subsequent owner, before being acquired by the consignor. During this period, the Roadster was professionally reviewed and extensively serviced, with the braking system restored, and other fine, detail-oriented items addressed. Additionally, correct KONI front and rear shock absorbers were sourced through the Gull Wing Group and a reproduction 300 SL Roadster owner’s manual was acquired. Following acquisition by the consignor, the Roadster’s exterior was handsomely refinished in black by Coachwerks Restoration of Victoria, British Columbia – formerly known as the Mercedes-Benz and 300 SL specialists of Rudi Koniczek’s famed Rudi & Company operation.

Visually striking in its black on black livery, the 300 SL displayed just 46,925 miles at the time of cataloguing. Accompanying items include a restored original set of Karl Baisch fitted luggage and a body-color removable hardtop, plus an original tool roll and a roadside jack. Excellent documentation includes a copy of the factory-original production record/build sheet, a prior Bill of Sale and registration documents, service and restoration invoices, and vehicle history, including correspondence. Continuing to benefit from its outstanding marque expert restoration, successive caring owners, fastidious maintenance, and recent refinish, this 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is a compelling example throughout, worthy of the finest collections and standing ready to be appreciated and enjoyed.