1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

A landmark sports car, the 300 SL was the road-going descendant of the successful and groundbreaking Mercedes-Benz competition car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952. When Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300 SL Gullwing in 1954, its arresting design and brilliant performance captivated the automotive world. The company achieved a similar sensation in 1957 with the debut of the striking and versatile 300 SL Roadster. Between 1957 and 1963, Mercedes-Benz built just 1,858 examples, each showcasing the German automaker’s exceptional engineering, styling, and build quality. ‌ Throughout production, numerous improvements were introduced, most notably four-wheel disc brakes beginning with chassis 2780 and aluminum engine blocks beginning with chassis 3049. The disc brakes dramatically reduced unsprung weight, and those familiar with both drum- and disc-brake 300 SL Roadsters have noted that the latter cars feel nimbler and offer more consistent stopping performance. Meanwhile, the aluminum engine block saved approximately 50 pounds over the front axle, further improving steering response, handling, and weight distribution. The final 218 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadsters – now commonly referred to as the “disc-brake, alloy-block” cars – are, for good reason, the most coveted of all. They also enjoy the distinction of being the last hand-built, body-on-frame Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. ‌ The 300 SL Roadster offered here, chassis 3062, is among the earliest alloy-block examples built and retains its original engine, numbered 000013. Originally finished in White (DB 50) with a Black leather interior, the Roadster was delivered new to Donald Andrews Jr. of Boca Raton, Florida. A well-known enthusiast, Mr. Andrews owned several significant Ferrari models, founded the Miami dealership Waldron Motors, and, as a longtime Ferrari Club of America member, established the prestigious Coppa Bella Macchina award. The car’s history file contains its original window sticker, the receipt documenting Mr. Andrews’ payment in full of $10,554.22 to Trammell Motor Company of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in July 1963, and the original service policy and registration card issued in his name. Such paperwork documenting the original sale of any 300 SL is exceedingly rare and valuable. ‌ Following a succession of American owners, including noted New Hampshire collector Courtland Cross, the 300 SL – by then refinished in red – was acquired by a respected East Coast collector in 1987. Soon thereafter, the 46,000-mile Roadster was entrusted to the experts at Gullwing Service Company Inc. in Essex, Massachusetts, now known as Paul Russell and Company. A thorough inspection identified several areas requiring attention, and, as documented by numerous receipts on file, the necessary service and repairs were duly completed over the following months. ‌ By 1990, the Roadster had been acquired by the much-admired Michigan businessman and Mercedes-Benz enthusiast Bernie Glieberman. Among the other important Mercedes-Benz automobiles in Mr. Glieberman’s collection were a 540 K Spezial Roadster and the striking one-off 230 SL Coupe, hand-built by Pininfarina. The 300 SL remained in his collection until 2001, when it was purchased by a Texas-based collector, joining a highly optioned Gullwing and a rare 300 Sc Cabriolet. ‌ Before long, the Roadster was entrusted to the renowned workshops of Bob Smith Coachworks in Gainesville, Texas, for an extensive restoration. Smith reports that every system was addressed, while the cosmetics were restored to show standards. This work included refinishing the exterior in Dunkelblau (Dark Blue, DB 904) and retrimming the interior in complementary tan leather. An exceedingly rare two-piece set of original Karl Baisch fitted luggage was sourced and added to the trunk. The 300 SL is also offered with a desirable hardtop, blue canvas soft top, and tool roll, jack, and owner’s manual. ‌ Following the restoration’s completion, the Roadster was enjoyed throughout a remarkable 25-year period of ownership at the collector’s homes in California and Texas. Close friends were often invited to experience the car on drives around the idyllic Monterey Peninsula. In recent years, its California maintenance has been entrusted to the experts at Ericsson Enterprises of Monterey and renowned 300 SL specialist Rene Luteraan’s Van Nuys Sports Cars. ‌ Among the most beautifully designed and ingeniously engineered automobiles of their era, the 300 SL was as exclusive and coveted when new as it remains today, and few collections of world-class sports cars can be considered complete without one. Beautifully presented, exceptionally well documented, and retaining its matching-numbers alloy-block engine, this ultimate-specification 300 SL Roadster represents a rare opportunity to acquire a Mercedes-Benz of genuine distinction. *Please note that this vehicle is titled as A19804210003062. car

Estimate:£1,650,407

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