LMC is very proud to offer for sale this 1961 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster
When the Mercedes-Benz 300SL “Gullwing” Coupe stopped production in 1957, its successor, the 300SL Roadster, debuted at that year’s Geneva Salon. The conversion of the 300SL to an open car meant dispensing with the famed upward-opening door and redesigning the chassis, which was strengthened significantly to compensate for the loss of the roof structure. Headlamps were changed, the grille was smaller, and a chrome molding was added below the doors. The famed racing-derived twin-cam six-cylinder engine produced some 215-brake horsepower, and the revised rear suspension now boasted a compensating spring, added to reduce the oversteering tendencies of the Gullwing’s single-jointed swing-axle arrangement.
The Roadster remained among the fastest automobiles on the road, capable of 133–155 mph, depending upon the final drive ratio specified. Like the earlier coupe, it was, in its day, the car in which to see and be seen, and it was favored by celebrities, racing drivers, and just anyone who appreciated fine machinery and had the bank account to acquire it.
This 300 Roadster offered here for sale is a very desirable late production example originally sold new at Keenan Motors Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the price of $11,921.80. The original owner ordered his new 300sl in one of the most timeless and stunning color combinations of factory DB40 Black exterior with a striking factory 1088 Red leather interior. Additional options include the rare optional Becker radio, automatic antenna, W/SW tires, and chrome wheel rims.
In 1972, this beautiful roadster would find another caretaker who would hold on and lovingly care for it during his 35 years of ownership. In 2007, it would trade hands one more time before being purchased by a highly respected Pebble Beach Concours judge.
Under fastidious ownership by the Pebble Beach Concours judge, this roadster has been beautifully restored and finished in its factory colors to a beautiful show quality. The exterior was completely repainted in the correct DB40 Black paint, wet sanded, and polished to show quality luster. The interior cabin of this 300SL Roadster has been fully restored and re-trimmed in the factory ordered, code 1088, red leather seats, dashboard, and red carpeting, along with chrome brightwork and analog instruments. Under the hood is the fully detailed number matching M198 3.0 L straight-six-cylinder engine as listed on its accompanying MB Data Card. As well, it also retains its number-matching gearbox and rear end. Included with the sale of this special Mercedes is a window sticker, a dealer invoice, restoration invoices, previous titles, registrations, and ownership history.
Today, the 300SL Roadster still carries with it an indelible aura of speed, power, and sophisticated style. Fast enough for the sports car lover and comfortable enough for those who demand to luxuriate, it has remained for nearly 60 years as one of the most desirable automobiles in the world. This 300SL not only makes for an outstanding example to be shown on the lawn but also a welcome entry to the most exclusive motoring events such as the California Mille, the Copperstate 1000, and the Colorado Grand.