1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys Arizona event, 24 January 2025.
$1,300,000 - $1,600,000 USD

• A superb disc-brake Roadster expertly maintained and ready for continued touring and spirited enjoyment
• Retains numbers-matching chassis, engine, front axles, body, steering box, and rear axle
• Only three recorded owners since 1964; acquired by the consignor in 1999
• Showing fewer than 46,500 miles at cataloguing time
• Accompanied by matching hardtop, copy of factory data card, tools, original chassis and body tags, and 30 years of service documentation

As the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe exited stage left in 1957, its successor, the 300 SL Roadster, debuted at that years Geneva Auto Salon. The conversion of the 300 SL to an open car meant redesigning the chassis, which was strengthened significantly to compensate for the loss of the roof structure.

Enthusiasts who may have worried about the super-leicht going soft had absolutely no cause for concern: Thanks to a fully synchronized gearbox, greatly improved engine mechanicals, new rear axle design, and a wide range of final drive selections available to customers, the Roadster remained among the fastest-accelerating automobiles on the road. In 1961, the factory further upgraded the Roadster with Dunlop disc brakes at each corner. These greatly added to the models already stellar high-speed touring capabilities by reducing braking distance and weight, while greatly improving braking feel and wet weather performance.

With just three recorded owners since 1964, this superb and eminently usable disc-brake 300 SL Roadster has been a treasured prize since its earliest days. Now presented from 25 years of care with its latest owner and showing just shy of 46,500 miles on its odometer at cataloguing time, this Roadster is ready to drive long distances at a moments notice.

A US-market car, chassis 3027 is said to have been delivered new on 2 March 1962 finished in White (DB 50) over Burgundy (202) leather with a black soft-top and equipped with sealed beam headlights, a Becker radio, Dunlop tires, and a hardtop. Though 3027s original delivery destination remains unknown, by 1964 it had reportedly found its way to Pennsylvania. Many years later, it was procured by the previous owner, who commissioned an extravagant restoration sparing no expense, which was said to have been completed by a marque specialist in the mid-nineties. During this restoration, chassis 3027 was refinished in its period-correct color combination of Fire Engine Red (534) over Natural (1068) leather beneath a tan soft-top.

Having acquired the car in 1999, the consignor has thoroughly enjoyed driving it on a variety of cross-country tours, including the Colorado Grand and numerous other events. As such, it has traveled more than 11,000 miles under current ownership and benefited from regular maintenance by noted marque specialists, including Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, Scott Grundfor, and Art Thumwoods Star Classics, invoices for which are one file.

Since 2017, this late disc-brake Roadster has been lavished with more than $29,000 of mechanical upkeep by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, including a full transmission rebuild. Meanwhile, the consignors private mechanic has carried out routine maintenance using parts sourced from marque specialists.

Importantly, 3027 retains its numbers-matching chassis, 3.0-liter engine, bodywork, rear axle, steering box, and front axles. The accompanying factory hardtop is color-matched to the car but unstamped, while the currently fitted gearbox is an earlier, correct-type unit from 1959. The sole modern update to chassis 3027 has been a Pioneer stereo system, comprised of a head unit tastefully integrated into the factory radios location and a pair of four-inch speakers. In addition to its removable hardtop, the car is accompanied by a copy of its factory data card, tools, original chassis and body tags, and 30 years of service documentation.

To this day, the 300 SL Roadster projects an indelible aura of speed, power, and sophistication. It is fast enough for the sports car lover yet comfortable enough for those who demand luxury, and it remains one of the most desirable automobiles in the world. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/az25/.