Editor and publisher of the SL Market Letter John R. Olson is a life long car enthusiast, with Mercedes-Benz ownership dating back to 1959. Since then he has owned many Mercedes, from the 190E to the 300SL "Gull Wing". His interests span the "great" cars of all marques, which prompted his co-founding of the Milestone Car Society in the early '70's. During the next twenty years, John authored three important works on automobiles: Collecting The Mercedes-Benz SL, Secrets of Buying and Selling Collector Cars, and the earlier Make Money Owning Your Car (And Enjoy Every Minute). His writings are peppered with examples of automobiles, especially Mercedes-Benz becoming permanent assets just like homes. It is John's rare combination of automotive and financial savvy that make him an indispensable source of advice on his favorite marque.

When not helping SLML subscribers John practises what he preaches: "SLs are for driving". In 2004 John drove this 190SL in Australia's Adelaide Rally.

He has also completed four Carrera PanAmerica Retrospectives (1991, 1994, 1995, 1997) in his 300SL. His was the fastest authentic 300SL Roadster in the 1997 Race when he teamed up with world class navigator David Fuss.