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127 of 155 lots
Lot 127
1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
Estimate:
$1,750,000 - $2,500,000
Sold for
$1,625,000
Live Auction
Amelia Island Auction 2023
Description
Marcus Motors Inc., Denver, Colorado (acquired new in 1964)
Richard G. Winder, San Carlos, California (acquired in 1980)
Gerard P. Hill, St. Louis, Missouri (acquired from the above in 1998)
Bassam S. Mohamad, Burlingame, California (acquired from the above in 2000)
Henry Khachaturian, Fremont, California (acquired from the above in 2003)
Current Owner (acquired from the above in 2012)

Chassis: 198.042.10.003047
Engine: 198.980.10.003110

Desirable Disc-Brake, Iron-Block Roadster; One of Approximately 270 Built
Recent Concours-Quality Restoration by the Renowned Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA
Beautifully Presented in Striking Black over Green Color Scheme
Retains Matching-Numbers Chassis, Body, and Engine per Factory Data Card
Successfully Completed the Colorado Grand and California Mille Rallies
Offered with Hardtop, Becker Radio, Luggage, Books, Tool Kit, Jack, and Records

2,996 CC SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
250 BHP at 6,200 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Front Independent Double-Wishbone Suspension with Coil Springs
Rear Swing-Axle Suspension with Coil Springs

In March 1957, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300 SL Roadster, employing a host of mechanical advancements and stylistic revisions in creating a new open-top version of the successful 300 SL Gullwing. Chief among these were a new rear-axle design that improved high-speed handling, a more powerful engine, and modified space-frame chassis, which allowed for conventionally hinged doors.

An evolution of the groundbreaking and highly successful W194 300 SL race car, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is regarded as one of the most beautiful and well-rounded sports cars ever built. The model was steadily improved during its production run, which began in 1957 and ended early in 1963. One of the most significant updates introduced during production was the adoption of four-wheel disc brakes in 1961. Approximately 270 disc-brake 300 SL Roadsters were built before the introduction of the alloy-block version of the fuel-injected inline six-cylinder engine. To many Mercedes-Benz aficionados, these Roadsters represent the ideal enthusiast specification, combining the improved stopping power of four-wheel disc brakes with the more robust and reliable iron-block engine.

The 300 SL presented here is a truly exceptional example of the highly soughtafter “disc-brake, iron-block” Roadster. According to a copy of its factory data card, chassis 3047 was originally equipped for the North American market and supplied new with an optional hardtop, Becker Mexico radio, 3.89:1 rear axle, and Continental tires. One of the very last 300 SLs built with the iron-block engine, this Roadster was originally retailed through Marcus Motors Inc., a Studebaker-Mercedes-Benz dealership based in downtown Denver.

By 1980, the 300 SL Roadster had been acquired by Richard G. Winder of San Carlos, California, and it remained in his care until 1998, when it was sold to Gerard Hill of St. Louis, Missouri. Under Mr. Hill’s ownership, the Mercedes-Benz was treated to a high-quality restoration overseen by well-known marque specialist Steve Marx of Costa Mesa, California. Following completion of the restoration in 2000, Mr. Hill sold the 300 SL and it subsequently resided in the care of two private collectors based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In 2012, the 300 SL was acquired by the current owner, a prominent American collector and longtime Mercedes-Benz enthusiast who maintains a stable of the finest postwar models. After successfully participating in the 2013 Colorado Grand, he commissioned the renowned Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA of Irvine, California, to perform a complete, no-expense-spared restoration with the express goal of making this 300 SL among the finest examples of its type. Between 2014 and 2017, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center comprehensively restored all cosmetic and mechanical aspects of the Roadster, with invoices on file confirming that over $550,000 was lavished on the car during the process.

Handsomely finished in the striking, period-correct color scheme of black with green leather upholstery, this 300 SL Roadster is outfitted with the most desirable options and accessories available for the model, including its rare factory hardtop, Becker Mexico radio, European-type lighting, and two-piece fitted luggage set, as well as proper owner’s handbooks, tool kit, and jack.

A copy of the Mercedes-Benz factory data card confirms that 3047 retains its matching-numbers chassis, body, and engine, and the sale includes a voluminous file of records, which contains a copy of the Gull Wing Group 300 SL Roadster Registry entry, assorted restoration and service records, and a dossier detailing the complete restoration performed by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center.

Since the restoration was completed, the 300 SL Roadster has successfully participated in the California Mille and is regularly exercised and maintained by the consignor’s in-house team of mechanics. As a result, it presents beautifully in all respects and is poised for future accolades on the concours lawn or enjoyment on the open road.

Considering its well-documented provenance, concours-quality presentation, striking color scheme, desirable accessories, and genuine character, one would be hard-pressed to improve upon the impeccable credentials of this “disc-brake, iron-block” 300 SL Roadster. For the perfectionist collector who demands only the very best, Gooding & Company encourages close inspection and serious consideration of this exquisite Mercedes-Benz.