1962 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster

Chassis 198.042.10-002991

Specification:

225 bhp, 2,996 cc OHC inline six-cylinder engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection and dry-sump oiling, four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox, front independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, rear swing-axle suspension with coil springs, four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes. Weight: 1,660 kg. Wheelbase: 94.5″

*Rare and Highly Desirable Disc-Brake, Iron-Block Roadster; One of Approximately 270 Built
*Desirable late production, iron block and disc brake 300SL
*Matching numbers example with well documented history
*Retains original red leather interior
*Offered with both hard and soft tops, books and tools

An evolution of the ground-breaking 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 produced. The model was steadily improved over its production life; one of the most significant production changes was the introduction of disc brakes in 1961. Only about 270 disc-brake cars were built before the introduction of the alloy-block version of the engine. To many 300 SL connoisseurs, these cars are the ideal specification, combining the stopping power of the disc brakes with the more robust iron-block engine.

The disc-brake, iron-block Roadster is the perfect specification, since the iron-block engine produces a more pleasing engine note and was less fragile than the later alloy block version. The production of the alloy block seems like it was driven by the competition and not thoroughly thought out in a high-performance sports car and the alloy block engines are known to fail.

This particular 300SL Roadster was a special order and one of the first cars to leave the factory in 1962. It is close to the end of the iron-block engine production and has all of the technical updates that came out over the years for that set-up. The Mercedes-Benz factory data card shows this Roadster was originally ordered in a striking two-tone color scheme with a black body and white hardtop and hubcaps, whitewall tires and a red leather interior. However, the original paint tag and dashboard suggest that this order was changed on the production line and not updated in the build sheet. We believe this Roadster has always been all white (DB 50) on red leather as it presents today. Two-tone 300SL always have both colors stamped on their body/trim tags and this car has just one.

The 300SL Roadster could be ordered in three configurations. You could have it with soft-top only, hardtop only, or a combination of both tops. The idea was to replace the Gullwing and have a “coupe” model. The hardtop is removable in both configurations, but each are specially fitted to the car during production. In short, the hardtop off of one Roadster likely won’t fit another.

This Roadster, although a USA specification, is currently fitted with the more desirable and beautiful European headlights. It also has a Becker “Mexico” Radio with Hirchmann antenna and a Talbot side-mirror.

The ownership history of this Roadster is well-documented and the car comes with original owners’ manuals and historical paperwork. Our records show it spent most of its life to date in Pennsylvania and was with the most recent owner, who also owned a 300SL Gullwing, since 1981. The rare disc-brake, iron-block, two-top specification and desirable original color combination make this the best of all 300SL Roadsters to own. It is the ultimate drivers and collectors configuration and one of just 182 Roadsters built in 1962.