Desirable disc-brake, steel-block example of this iconic roadster
Highly original with matching numbers
Original colour combination of White (50G) over Black (201) leather
Subject to a ground-up restoration by marque and model expert Rudi Koniczek
Publicly available for the first time after long-term family ownership
Accompanied by a matching hard top and luggage set
Introduced in 1957, the Roadster version of the era defining Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing brought with it greater refinement and usability. While retaining the advanced fuel-injected 3.0-litre straight-six engine, the Roadster required a redesign of the tubular spaceframe chassis to allow for conventional doors. Although the doors were less dramatic, they allowed for easier access and for the fitment of wind down windows – a luxury that is much missed from the infamously warm cabin of the Gullwing. Roadsters also featured revised rear suspension, which made the 300SL far more predictable at the impressive speeds it was capable of achieving, and today they are regarded among as one of motoring’s ultimate grand tourers.
The great and the good of the 1950s and 1960s agreed, and 300 SL Roadsters were owned by the likes of Steve McQueen, Clark Gable and Juan Manuel Fangio. Another fan of the Roadster was the young Prince Constantine of Greece who, against all security protocol, succeeded in taking First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy on a joyride in his example during her 1961 visit to Athens.
It was among this era of revered style that chassis 003001 was built in early 1962. It benefitted from the highly desirable disc brake upgrade that was introduced from 1961 and a ’62 Roadster is considered by most to be the ‘sweet spot’ for a 300SL. Date-stamped “22 Jan 1962”, the Mercedes-Benz factory data card confirms the highly original nature of this car’s specification, including the original colours of 050G White paintwork, 201 Black leather interior and 720 Black soft top. Dispatched from Stuttgart for North American delivery, chassis 003001 was also equipped with US-spec headlights, bumpers and reflectors.
By 1985 the 300SL had been acquired in the USA by automotive connoisseur Leighton Roberts, forming a matching Gullwing-Roadster pair within his private collection. Roberts commissioned renowned 300SL expert Rudi Koniczek’s Victoria Carriage Company to restore the Roadster, before shipping it to his home in the UK. Koniczek remembers this restoration well as one of three projects he undertook at Roberts’ behest, including his Gullwing and an ex-Walter P Chrysler Jr Facel Vega. Rudi noted that the 300 SL Roadster was in good condition when it arrived with him, providing a wonderful basis for an impeccable restoration.
Cherished by Roberts and his family for the last 41 years, this 300 SL Roadster remains in excellent condition and retains its matching numbers chassis, body, engine and gearbox. Accompanied by its factory ‘horseshoe’ hood cover, an original hard top and a set of matching luggage this ‘sweet spot’ 1962 300 SL Roadster is the ultimate all-weather tourer.
SOLD IN COLLABORATION WITH HILTON & MOSS
We are delighted to announce the successful off-market sale of this exceptional 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, completed through a collaboration with Marque experts Hilton & Moss.
Finished in its data card-correct DB050 White over 1079 Red leather, with Rudge wheels specified from new and a two-piece fitted luggage set, this is a truly iconic example of one of the most celebrated sports cars ever produced!
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