Even with classic cars, it sometimes takes more than a winning pedigree and exceptionally-kept condition to make them stand out. This 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, that’s headed to Gooding & Co’s auction block, has all of that and more in spades.
This early production model in outstanding condition — which is made all the more impressive by the fact that it’s completely unrestored and all-original (with the exception being the exterior paint). It also happened to be custom-made for Princess Ashraf ol-Molouk Pahlavi of Iran, meaning this is a Mercedes-Benz literally built for royalty. But the story gets even better, as it was eventually sold to Thomas Foster Hamilton, the aviation pioneer responsible for revolutionizing propeller-driven aircraft ahead of WWII. It even comes with its matching-numbers engine, original leather upholstery, and period rally equipment and original manuals. However, a vehicle suited for royalty also comes with an equivalent cost, with this car expected to fetch between $1,000,000 and $1,300,000 when the hammer drops.
