This exceptional Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster boasts a fascinating provenance, being the 51st example built and originally owned by the renowned Austrian actor and racing driver, Gunther Philipp. Delivered new to Philipp, this car enjoyed a life intertwined with motorsport from its earliest days, further enhanced by period factory upgrades and meticulous care throughout its history. This remarkable 300 SL Roadster stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz engineering excellence and the captivating stories these vehicles accrue over time.
Gunther Philipp, a name synonymous with Austrian entertainment and motorsport, was more than just an actor. Under his stage name, Gunther Philipp, or his birth name Gunter Placheta, he was a man of diverse talents. Initially a scholar of philosophy, psychology, and medicine, and even an Austrian swimming champion, Philipp’s passions extended far beyond academia and athletics. His love for the stage led him to form the cabaret group “Die kleinen Vier” in 1946, eventually leading him to fully embrace acting in 1949. His career flourished, spanning decades and encompassing numerous films and popular television series.
However, alongside his artistic pursuits, Gunther Philipp harbored a deep passion for motorsport. In the early 1950s, he established his own racing team, ‘Ecurie Vienne,’ and achieved notable success, including winning the Austrian GT Championship in the 1960s. Even after retiring from competitive driving, his involvement in the automotive world continued as he co-presented the popular television program “Motorama” on ORF, alongside the legendary Jochen Rindt.
It was with this background as a true automotive enthusiast and seasoned racer that Gunther Philipp acquired this very Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Delivered on July 25, 1957, with just 3,735 kilometers on the odometer, the car was registered in Berlin under the number B-PP 99 through Herbert Schulze Automobile. Correspondence between Philipp and the Mercedes-Benz factory, as highlighted by 300 SL expert Éric Lemoine, reveals a fascinating dialogue regarding performance enhancements and bespoke modifications requested by the discerning owner. Philipp, a man who clearly understood automotive engineering, communicated directly with Mercedes-Benz to address perceived shortcomings and personalize his new roadster.
In a letter dated August 14th, sent to Mercedes-Benz Munich, Philipp articulated his concerns with remarkable directness. He expressed dissatisfaction with the engine’s power output, suspecting an incorrect final drive ratio. He also raised serious concerns about the braking performance, stating, “The brakes are dangerous on wet surfaces.” Further issues included a juddering clutch with limited pedal travel, excessive body vibrations, particularly around the doors, and paint cracks near the boot. Demonstrating his desire for both performance and aesthetic refinement, Philipp also requested a set of Rudge center-lock wheels, a highly desirable and sporting upgrade.
Image alt text: Gunther Philipp, Austrian actor and racing driver, pictured with his Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster at a European racing event in the late 1950s.
Mercedes-Benz responded promptly to Philipp’s requests. Improvements were made to the braking system, and by September 6, 1957, a letter from Mercedes-Benz Munich confirmed the installation of a set of Rudge chrome wheels, including a spare. The original wheels were returned to Philipp, indicating the factory’s accommodation of his specific preferences. Intriguingly, documents suggest a possible engine replacement in August 1957, potentially explaining the restamped engine number currently found on the car. This early engine swap could be linked to Philipp’s pursuit of enhanced performance. Furthermore, a work order from August 21, 1957, shows Philipp inquiring about sports camshafts, though it remains unclear if these were ultimately fitted.
Further modifications followed. On May 11, 1959, with 40,345 kilometers recorded, the 300 SL Roadster was repainted in white (DB 50), retaining its Berlin registration. Shortly after, a shorter 3.64:1 final drive ratio was installed, specifically in preparation for a race scheduled for September 30, 1959. These modifications clearly demonstrate Philipp’s commitment to utilizing his 300 SL Roadster for its intended purpose – high-performance driving and competitive racing.
Philipp actively campaigned his 300 SL Roadster in various regional racing events, often juggling his racing schedule with his acting commitments. Photographic documentation accompanying the car provides compelling evidence of its racing pedigree, capturing its participation in events such as:
- May 23-24, 1959 – Internationale Semperit-Rallye
- October 4, 1959 – Internationales Autorennen Innsbruck (DNF – Did Not Finish)
- June 12, 1960 – Internationales Autorennen Flugplatz Linz – 5th overall and 1st in the over 1600cc GT class
- September 25, 1960 – Internationales Flugplatzrennen Klagenfurt
In September 1960, Philipp adopted the pseudonym ‘Constantine’ when entering his 300 SL Roadster in the prestigious Gaisberg hill climb, a round of the European Hill Climb Championship. He returned to the same event in 1964, this time under his real name, Placheta, but at the helm of a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, marking a shift in his racing machinery.
Image alt text: Close-up of the rare and desirable Rudge center-lock wheels fitted to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster from the factory, highlighting their sporting aesthetic.
By the early 1960s, Gunther Philipp parted ways with his extensively used and historically significant 300 SL Roadster. Registered under Herbert Schulze Automobile in Berlin until 1962, the car was then exported to the United States, commencing a new chapter in its journey. It passed through several owners in the US, including Charles A. Merrill (June 1962), Otto Semet (1965), James E. Matuska (March 1966), and James L. Hargiss (1966).
James L. Hargiss, residing in Seattle, Washington, proved to be a particularly devoted custodian, retaining the 300 SL Roadster for over four decades. His meticulous nature is evident in the extensive documentation he compiled, meticulously filing invoices and even sketching technical details of the car. Remarkably, invoices from Mr. Hargiss dating back to 1966 are included in the car’s history file, providing an unparalleled record of its upkeep. During the 1990s, Hargiss had the car repainted red with a black leather interior and registered it as “300SLRO”.
In 2009, the 300 SL Roadster was sold to a Californian owner before joining the esteemed collection of Staffan Wittmark in Sweden in 2012. Wittmark, seeking both an early and late production example of the iconic roadster, acquired this car as it was the 51st built, and also secured one of the final examples produced. This acquisition allowed him to appreciate the evolution of this legendary model across its production run.
Driven by his preference for grey on 1950s automobiles, Wittmark commissioned a comprehensive restoration of the 300 SL Roadster in this classic hue. The car was initially entrusted to 300 SL specialist Jürgen Klockemann in California, and upon its return to Europe, Kienle undertook further refinements to the soft top and interior. Subsequently, HK Engineering, renowned Mercedes-Benz classic specialists, performed technical servicing on two occasions, culminating in a complete engine overhaul.
Today, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster presents in truly magnificent condition. Its immaculate grey exterior is complemented by a stunning beige leather interior, creating a sophisticated and inviting ambiance. The ivory-colored steering wheel, pristine dashboard and controls, flawless carpets, and beautifully preserved seats all contribute to a sense of timeless elegance and readiness for the open road. Adding to its allure, the boot houses a bespoke set of luggage finished in matching beige leather.
While Rudge wheels were a relatively common option on the 300 SL Coupe, they are considerably rarer on the Roadster variant. Estimates suggest that only 19 to 25 Roadsters were factory-equipped with Rudge wheels between 1957 and 1958, making this example, fitted with them just months after production, particularly special.
In conclusion, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster stands apart due to its unique combination of attributes. As one of the earliest examples built, with ownership by the charismatic Gunther Philipp and its documented racing history, factory Rudge wheels, immaculate presentation following a high-quality restoration, and exceptionally comprehensive documentation, this 300 SL Roadster represents a truly exceptional opportunity for discerning collectors seeking a unique and historically rich example of this automotive icon.
