Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 14, 2025
1958 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster Showcased at DFW Car & Toy Museum
TLDR
- Owning this rare 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster provides elite status among collectors due to its extreme rarity with only 324 units produced that year.
- The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster features a redesigned suspension system and 240-horsepower six-cylinder engine that improved handling while maintaining high performance.
- The DFW Car & Toy Museum preserves automotive history by showcasing this iconic Mercedes-Benz, inspiring future generations with engineering excellence and timeless design.
- This radiant red 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster began as the legendary Gullwing coupe before evolving into an open-top masterpiece that captivated celebrities and enthusiasts.
Impact - Why it Matters
This exhibition matters because it preserves and shares automotive history that represents a pinnacle of engineering and design achievement. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster isn't just a car—it's a cultural artifact that demonstrates how postwar German engineering combined performance with elegance, influencing automotive design for decades. For car enthusiasts, it offers a rare opportunity to see one of the most desirable collector vehicles in person, while for the general public, it provides insight into how automotive innovation has evolved. The museum's free admission makes this piece of history accessible to everyone, helping to educate new generations about automotive craftsmanship and preserving important cultural heritage that might otherwise be seen only in private collections or photographs.
Summary
The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is currently showcasing an automotive masterpiece that has captivated enthusiasts for generations—the 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster from the prestigious Ron Sturgeon Collection. This radiant red convertible represents the evolution of the legendary "Gullwing" coupe, delivering enhanced performance, sophistication, and drivability that made it an instant icon upon its debut at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show. With its upgraded 240-horsepower six-cylinder engine, redesigned suspension for improved handling, lower door sills for easier access, and superior cabin comfort, the Roadster offered a driving experience that balanced exhilarating performance with luxurious refinement.
The 300 SL Roadster's enduring appeal is magnified by its exceptional rarity, with only 1,858 units produced between 1957 and 1963, including just 324 examples for the 1958 model year. This limited production has preserved its aura of exclusivity, cementing its status as one of the most collectible and desirable vehicles in automotive history. Museum founder Ron Sturgeon describes the car as "a rolling work of art that's just as breathtaking today as it was over half a century ago," emphasizing its timeless design and engineering excellence. Visitors can experience this automotive legend at the museum's new 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth, which offers free admission and parking while maintaining the legacy of what was previously known as the DFW Elite Toy Museum.
The museum itself represents Sturgeon's lifelong passion for automobiles, spanning over 30 years of collecting that began with his teenage Volkswagen repairs and evolved into one of the country's largest auto salvage operations before establishing this world-class exhibition space. The facility not only showcases extraordinary vehicles like the 300 SL Roadster but also provides climate-controlled car storage and event spaces while welcoming visitors Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Car enthusiasts can explore more about this remarkable collection and plan their visit through the museum's comprehensive online presence, including the DFW Elite Toy Museum website that continues to serve as a valuable resource for toy and car lovers worldwide.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, 1958 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster Showcased at DFW Car & Toy Museum
