Mercedes-Benz – 300 SL (1960)

Even many connoisseurs remain unaware that the 300 SL Roadster differs fundamentally from its predecessor, the 300 SL Coupé. Contrary to popular belief, the roadster is not derived directly from the gullwing. The roadster was provided with a completely new frame design. Only the engine, gearbox and front axle were taken over. Regular improvements were incorporated into the roadster during series production and not simply the two familiar ones, the introduction of disc brakes for the last 478 chassis and the aluminium engine for the final 210 cars. The 300 SL Roadster was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957. After the gullwing was discontinued, production of the open-top sportster started in summer 1957 and ended in early 1963 after exactly 1,858 units had left the factory gates. The W198 II was supplied with either softtop or hardtop, or both tops. The list price began at DM 32,500 – the hardtop adding a further DM 500 to the price tag. This Graphite Grey (DB 190) roadster upholstered in an interior of red leather (DB 1079) was delivered new to Massachusetts, USA, in 1960. The first owner died young and the car was then sold on to the next custodian in 1964. This gentleman understood the concept of automobile preservation long before it existed. He cared for the Mercedes fastidiously and had a tenure of almost 50 years until 2012. The roadster was used very sparingly and the car only shows 25,258 miles on the clock. This iconic coupé is authentically preserved with original paint, leather and all its components. The motoring legend even drives on its original delivery tyres – Continental Super Record. Rarely have restorers experienced the misfortune of earning so little money on an iconic car as they did on this one. Also noteworthy is the interesting fact that the roadster was delivered in no less than 102 different colours. Naturally enough, many of them unique combinations.