1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Floyd Hall would get his start by working for Montgomery Ward during the 1950s. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, he would be the CEO of B. Dalton Booksellers and Target Stores. Then, in 1995, he would be hired as the President and CEO of Kmart and would oversee the construction of a number of facilities all throughout the state of New Jersey. Having such positions, Hall looked for a car befitting his role.

This would be Hall's 300SL Roadster. Completed in 1959, the roadster would make its way to the United States and Max Hoffman in New York City. From there, it would end up in the hands of its first owner, Roger Leonhardt of St. Louis. The car would remain with Leonhardt for more than twenty years accumulating a little more than 50,000 miles.

The car would then be sold to Robert Schwent Jr. in January of 1983. Schwent passionately sought after the car and would immediately conduct a restoration effort when the car came into his hands. Over the course of the restoration effort he would have the car refinished in a red livery with a black soft top. Two years later, the car would end up in the hands of Hall.

Hall would own the 300SL for no less than 28 years. Upon purchasing the car, Hall would have another restoration effort undertaken. This would be an exhaustive process in which the car would be taken right down to its metal and redone. Every detail would be addressed, and when it was all finished, the car would wear a factory correct black livery with red leather and a black canvas top.

Throughout 1959, there would be just 211 300SL Roadsters built. Wearing factory correct color, this particular Roadster is among the unique. Offered via Gooding & Company's Arizona sale, the '59 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster provides another the opportunity of a long-term commitment. Estimates before the event would run between $1,500,000 and $1,700,000.

By Jeremy McMullen