When US importer Max Hoffman suggested to Daimler-Benz AG that a roadgoing version of the 300 SL race car be produced, he specified both a coupe and a roadster. Company leadership hesitated to develop the latter, but positive press for the coupe led to the development of a roadster prototype later that year, which added 100 lbs. of weight and offered a more stable driving experience.

This example is known to be the first 300 SL Roadster ordered by a customer. At the International Motor Sports Show in February 1954, book publisher Alfred P. Jenkins placed an order for the new 300 SL Coupe. Cars were slated to be delivered by June, but production issues delayed them until September. When Jenkins drove the new example delivered to friend and racing driver Briggs Cunningham, he was surprised by the race car–inspired ride. Desiring a more refined cruiser, he changed his order from a coupe to a roadster, optioned exactly like the prototype. Though Jenkins passed away in 1995, the car remains owned by his son and is known as one of the most thoroughly documented 300 SLs.