Automobile Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster 1961 in vendita

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To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Woodcote Park Auction event, 8 July 2026.
£900,000 - £1,200,000 GBP

One of 250 examples built in 1961
Desirable late-production Roadster equipped with disc brakes
Retains its matching-numbers engine and coachwork
Currently fitted with desirable Rudge wheels and upgraded power steering for superior touring
Accompanied by colour-matched hard top
Beautifully restored, including bare-metal refinish in attractive light metallic blue paint over tan leather upholstery with black soft top
An exquisite example of Stuttgart’s legendary Roadster

Who else but Mercedes-Benz would have the patience, the commitment, and the sheer bravado to transform an already iconic model in the 300 SL Gullwing into a “luxury” Roadster? When Stuttgart introduced the 300 SL Roadster in 1957, the new model addressed many of the perceived shortcomings of the outgoing Gullwing. The coupé’s tubular frame was redesigned to accommodate conventional doors, which not only eased ingress and egress, but provided space for wind-up windows, a feature that significantly improved cabin comfort.

The unforgiving high-pivot geometry of the Gullwing swing axle was discarded in favour of a low-pivot swing-axle rear suspension, with a transverse coil spring above the differential (linked to the axles by vertical struts) to minimise oversteer. The frame and suspension redesign also facilitated the installation of softer coil springs, which endowed the Roadster with superior ride quality without compromising handling.

The highly developed inline six-cylinder engine was equipped as standard with the competition-proven sport camshaft from the alloy-bodied Gullwings, increasing output by 25 horsepower. This propelled the civilised Roadster to impressive successes in privateer racing, including Paul O’Shea’s numerous class wins in Sports Car Club of America events. Midway through 1961, disc brakes were added to further enhance the model’s performance credentials.

Though it was packaged as a flagship luxury tourer, the 300 SL Roadster was nevertheless a better-performing version of its racing forebear, and it remains the more useable and easily enjoyed of the two models.

In resplendent condition, courtesy of an extensive restoration conducted under current ownership, this beautiful Roadster is particularly beguiling. According to a Mercedes-Benz Data Card on file, chassis number 002942 was finished in Arabian Grey paint over a red leather interior with a complementary dark soft-top and an optional White Grey hard top. Equipped with sealed-beam headlamps for the American market and fitted with late-specification disc brakes, the 300 SL was dispatched to the US circa November 1961.

Although the identity of the original owner is currently unknown, records of the Gullwing Group Registry show that the Roadster was later acquired by Marcos Rosner before passing to Los Angeles-based collector Matthew Post by 1985. Two Fahrzeugbrief documents on file record that, by 1991, the Mercedes-Benz had returned to Europe for ownership by a German collector who retained possession until at least April 2010. It is likely that this keeper was responsible for installing the European-specification headlamp lenses that are currently fitted.

In mid-2011 the 300 SL Roadster was acquired by the vendor, a collector based in the United Kingdom. In June 2013, they began entrusting the car to the respected Kevin O’Keefe’s The Barn in Warlingham, Surrey, commencing gradual refurbishment. This included a bare metal refinish in the current colour combination of light metallic blue paint over a tan leather interior, with complementary light blue carpeting, a black soft-top, and a colour-matched hard top.

The opportunity was taken to upgrade the power steering for improved touring capabilities, although the original steering column is included with the sale. The brightwork was re-plated and a new stainless steel exhaust system installed. Finally, a set of high-quality reproduction German Rudge wheels was sourced and fitted, and they were shod with new Blockley tyres. The original chrome wheels accompany the sale. Completed in March 2025, this work has left the 300 SL in a wonderful state of presentation. Upon consignment to The Woodcote Park auction, RM Sotheby’s inspected the car and found that the gearbox and rear axle were replacement components. It is important to note, however, that mechanical stampings consistent with factory data demonstrate that chassis number 002942 is fitted with its matching-numbers chassis, engine, and coachwork.

Accompanied by a tool roll and documented with a factory data card, Gullwing Group Registry entry, copies of German Fahrzeugbrief and TÜV documents, and restoration invoices, this exquisite 300 SL Roadster is ideal for exhibition at regional concours d’elegance and marque gatherings or driving enjoyment on touring events. Such a finely presented Roadster would make a superb addition to any collection of post-war machines or significant Stuttgart models, sure to please the consummate Mercedes-Benz enthusiast.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/wp26/.