This Mercedes 300SL Was Pulled Out of a Junkyard. I Drove It On the Track

Like an historical mummy rising from its tomb, 10 extremely worthwhile basic automobiles emerged from a junkyard final October and instantly went to public sale—warts and all. They ranged from an ultra-rare Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Alloy’ Gullwing, to retro BMW bikes, two Miuras, and the shell of what as soon as was a Ferrari 330 GTC.

However not even their deteriorated situations would cease savvy (and rich) collectors from snapping up these classics, most of them for tens of millions of {dollars}. The uncommon ‘Alloy’ Gullwing—perhaps in one of the best form of all—bought for $9.4 million. A Horch 855 Particular Roadster from 1939 went for $3.3 million. And although not almost as wanted as its winged sibling, a beat-up 300SL Roadster nonetheless went dwelling for a hefty $1.2 million.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

You’ll think about anybody with that a lot money would instantly ship these automobiles to the closest restoration store and flip them for a couple of million or extra. However the absolute legend who spent over seven figures on a rusty SL Roadster selected a unique route fully.

As a substitute of dropping additional cash for a full restoration, the brand new proprietor labored straight with Mercedes-Benz Heritage to deliver the unique SL again to working situation—and nothing extra. The automobile nonetheless seems prefer it’s been sitting in a storage for many years, however now it runs and drives (largely) like new.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

For this 12 months’s Moda Miami occasion in Coral Gables, Mercedes-Benz introduced the unmolested SL Roadster (and an SLR Stirling Moss, which I additionally drove), to the Concours Membership observe. I assumed we’d watch one among Mercedes-Benz’s many specialists take it for a fast spin, a enjoyable visible gag to show that, certainly, the automobile does run and drive in its present situation. Loads of laughs can be had.

However earlier than I do know it, I’m standing in pit lane with my helmet on and the SL’s keys in my hand. Regarding.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

The automobile nonetheless seems prefer it’s been sitting in a storage for many years, however now it runs and drives (largely) like new.

Once I say this automobile is untouched, I really, genuinely imply it. The unique crimson leather-based cracks and crumbles below my ass as I hop within the driver’s seat, the windshield continues to be caked in a long time of filth and who is aware of what else. The one non-mechnical modifications are the tires; To get this factor driving once more, Mercedes gave it new rubber.

However I’m not going at it alone. Seated to my proper is Nate Lander, chief mechanic on the Mercedes-Benc Basic Middle in Lengthy Seashore. He’s the caretaker for this stunning piece of equipment and there to verify I don’t completely muck it up. Earlier than we set off, although, Nate jumps out of the passenger seat, hops over the pit wall, and emerges with a rubber mallet. Earlier than I even have time to course of what’s occurring, Nate is hammering on the knock-off hubs like we’re about to go a full 24 at Le Mans.

“Wish to be certain that they’re good and torqued. Simply in case…”

Proper. In fact.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

Earlier than I can assume too arduous about the truth that I’m about to pedal a virtually 70-year-old, largely untouched, seven-figure basic that somebody simply took a hammer to, I get the inexperienced mild. Barely taking into consideration the truth that the windshield is caked in crap, obscuring my view, I shove the dusty floor-mounted handbook shifter headlong into first gear and we’re off.

I received’t lie: The primary few moments are intimidating. 5 minutes prior, I’m racing across the identical observe in Jerry Seinfeld’s purpose-built Mercedes Renntech E60. A stupendous factor in its personal proper. Now I’m in a automobile older than my dad and mom with fewer niceties than a pickup truck.

There’s no energy steering, clearly, and mixed with the insanely extensive diameter of the steering wheel, it feels such as you’re rowing an old-timey ship by means of tough waters. And it has almost as a lot physique roll, too. The brake pedal is heavy, and the old-school disc brakes require most effort to deliver the automobile again down to hurry.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

After timidly puttering by means of the primary few turns and down some early straights, I’m beginning to get a dangle of issues. With extra confidence below my belt, I open it up.

First into second, second into third—I’m virtually touching 40 miles per hour, child. With simply 215 horsepower, the SL’s fuel-injected 3.0-liter inline-six doesn’t really feel spectacular by 2025 requirements. Hell, even the almost 30-year-old Renntech E60 has 420 hp. However again then, 215 hp was lots sufficient for a automobile of this status, and with nothing however the sky above my helmet, I’m about to listen to how epic that old-school engine sounds at full bore.

Photograph by: Mercedes-Benz

Once I say this automobile is untouched, I really, genuinely imply it.

After the primary lap, nerves settling, I’m having fun with this positively sensible machine with out concern of wrecking it—give or take a couple of missed downshifts. The lead pack of the SLR Stirling Moss and Renntech E60 have lengthy left me and my co-driver within the mud, however I couldn’t care much less. I’m behind the wheel of a $1.1-million, largely untouched piece of German automotive historical past—and it guidelines.

So to the one who spent $1.1 million on this automobile and left it untouched—bravo. With a full restoration and a recent coat of paint, this automobile would simply fetch a couple of dozen million on the subsequent massive public sale. However the truth that this proprietor determined to maintain its authentic patina (no less than, in the meanwhile) is one thing you don’t see. And the truth that I bought to expertise it on the observe—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.