DFW Car & Toy Museum Acquires Rare 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster for Ron Sturgeon Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has acquired a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster for display within the Ron Sturgeon Collection, representing one of the most celebrated automobiles in automotive history. This radiant red roadster evolved from the legendary Gullwing coupe, offering enhanced performance, sophistication, and drivability that captivated enthusiasts and celebrities for generations.

First introduced at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, the 300 SL Roadster featured significant improvements over its predecessor. The vehicle's upgraded six-cylinder engine produced 240 horsepower, delivering heart-pounding performance while a redesigned suspension system improved handling characteristics. The open-top design with lower door sills and superior cabin comfort created a driving experience that balanced luxury with exhilaration, quickly establishing the Roadster as the ultimate symbol of style, speed, and success.

Production numbers remained exceptionally limited throughout the model's lifespan. Between 1957 and 1963, Mercedes-Benz manufactured only 1,858 Roadsters total, with just 324 units produced for the 1958 model year. This scarcity has preserved the vehicle's aura of exclusivity and contributed to its status as one of the most collectible and desirable automobiles in automotive history.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described the 300 SL Roadster as everything a car should be—fast, elegant, and exhilarating to drive. He noted that the vehicle represents a rolling work of art that remains as breathtaking today as it was over half a century ago, serving as a testament to Mercedes-Benz's pursuit of engineering excellence and timeless beauty.

The museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, offers visitors the opportunity to view this automotive masterpiece alongside other significant vehicles and collections. The 150,000 square foot facility provides free parking and admission, operating Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Additional information about the museum and its collections can be found at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This acquisition underscores the enduring appeal of classic automotive design and the importance of preserving significant vehicles for public appreciation and education. The 300 SL Roadster continues to represent a pinnacle of automotive achievement, demonstrating how engineering innovation and aesthetic beauty can create lasting cultural impact across generations. For Texas automotive enthusiasts and the broader community, this addition enhances the state's cultural offerings while preserving an important piece of automotive heritage for future generations to study and appreciate.

The museum's commitment to providing free access to such historically significant vehicles represents an important contribution to Texas's cultural and educational landscape. By making automotive history accessible to all visitors regardless of economic background, the institution serves as both an entertainment destination and educational resource. The 300 SL Roadster's presence in Texas reinforces the state's growing reputation as a hub for automotive culture and preservation, potentially attracting tourism and further establishing Fort Worth as a destination for automotive enthusiasts nationwide.