Of all the storied cars to come out of the oldest automaker in the world, few rival this 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Exceptionally fast for its time, the design of this sports car has endured the test of time, aging gracefully. It is for those qualities and more that this and others like it captivate the attention of many affluent collectors and enthusiasts.
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This particular example presents fantastically thanks to a restoration project which reportedly set the owner back more than $250,000. That might sound like a grandiose amount to some, but considering it was completed with exceptional care by Coachwerks Restoration out of Victoria, British Columbia and the results look astounding, we think it was money well spent.
Originally, this 300 SL Roadster was draped in Fire Red over black leather, with an American customer taking delivery. The current owner has documentation of its history as the car changed hands, including how many experts marveled at its original nature in the 1980s.
2017 brought a full engine rebuild, which was handled by Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Stuttgart, Germany. We can’t think of any outfit more qualified for the job. It passed muster with RM Auto Restoration, a firm which boasts eight Pebble Beach wins, upon coming back to the US in 2020.
It was after that the rest of this classic was restored. During that process, the owner opted for a daring triple-black presentation. Many would’ve balked at such a suggestion, however the final result is breathtakingly beautiful.
While the 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe is perhaps the most sought-after classic Mercedes, the Roadster is a close second. With its unique presentation and a history that’s quite impressive, this particular example should draw some exceptionally high bids.
RM Sotheby’s, which will present this classic during its Miami 2024 event, forecasts the high bid to be somewhere between $2,200,000 and $2,700,000. Many will be watching the results eagerly as this is one special car.
See the lot listing for yourself here.
Images via RM Sotheby’s
Elizabeth Puckett