THE ULTIMATE 300 SL SPECIFICATION

It is commonly held that the exploits of Mercedes-Benz’ Sport Leicht models during the 1950s and early 1960s were nothing short of legendary. Blessed with the genius of engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, Stuttgart’s build team was able to fashion a revolutionary race winner with the W194 300 SL sports-racer, which combined fabulous exterior styling and the company’s versatile new inline-six-cylinder powerplant. This initial iteration of the celebrated Gullwing design was soon followed by three world championships with the W196 R grand prix car and its sibling sports-racing car, the W196 S, better known as the 300 SLR. These accomplishments only further fueled the success of the model’s regular-production variants, the W198 300 SL Gullwing built from 1954 to 1957, and the 300 SL Roadster that succeeded it through 1963.

Although the Gullwing will always hold an iconic status due to its initial dynamic appearance and competition career, the 300 SL Roadster was actually a far improved machine from nearly every point of view. With a revised rear suspension and camshaft derived from the competition models, as well as a larger trunk and standard front-hinged doors, the Roadster not only delivered better performance but it was better suited for grand touring use, as well.

It is entirely fitting that the conclusion of the seminal 300 SL output was marked by the development of the Roadster’s most potent and technically advanced features. In 1962, approximately a year before the model would be discontinued, the 300 SL Roadster was updated with a new aluminum-block version of the venerable three-liter straight-six engine, now classified as the type 198.982, which lowered weight by approximately 70 pounds while improving heat management. In combination with the advent of disc brakes, which appeared in 1961, this development resulted in a more responsive and agile sports car, making the 300 SL Roadster one of the niche’s most popular touring cars, bar none.

These improvements not only enhanced performance and the overall driving experience of course, but their rarity among overall production lent these final cars an elevated cachet and collectability above the earlier cast-iron-engine examples. And it is further worth noting that although the last 209 examples of the 300 SL Roadster were equipped with the alloy-block engine, it is believed that approximately 100 surviving cars still retain their original engine blocks, as these aluminum engines required a level of care that many original owners and local dealerships were simply incapable of providing.

CHASSIS NUMBER 003099

The featured alloy-block disc-brake 300 SL Roadster is nothing less than magnificent, as it combines some extremely rare production features, a minimal chain of documented ownership, and a late-1990s restoration executed to a very high standard. According to a factory data card on file, chassis number 003099 was completed in July 1962, finished in DB 571 Dunkelrot Metallic paint (dark red metallic). This is particularly noteworthy considering that DB 571 was not yet an official paint option for the model at this time, and this car is believed to be the only 300 SL painted in the striking color, making it extremely rare and correspondingly desirable.

Specified for the European market with instruments in kilometers, and equipped with European-style headlamps, the Roadster was trimmed with crème leather over brown carpeting with a black soft top. The 300 SL was soon delivered to its first owner, a furniture manufacturer in Switzerland named Josef Wernle, and he went on to retain possession for 20 years.

In 1982 the Mercedes-Benz was sold to Peter Klein, a major collector based in Cologne, Germany, who ten years later sold the car to a fellow German collector. Klein went on to steward the 300 SL for a remarkable period of nearly 30 years. When it arrived to him, the exterior had been repainted in DB 180 Silver-Grey Metallic, while the interior had been re-trimmed in black leather.

In the late 1990s, the owner commissioned the marque specialists Kienle Automobiltechnik GmbH near Stuttgart to comprehensively restore the Roadster. Primarily, the original type 198.982 alloy engine was completely rebuilt, while every drivetrain element and chassis system was refurbished. The coachwork was treated to a bare-metal refinish in DB 180 Silver-Grey Metallic, and the interior was reupholstered in period-correct Roser 1079 red leather, with matching red carpeting. The brightwork was re-plated and a new black soft top was installed. Kienle went on to maintain the Mercedes-Benz over the ensuing two decades, along the way installing a number of tasteful upgrades for improved touring use, including an additional cooling fan for the engine, brighter headlamp bulbs, hazard lights, and period aviation-style lap belts.

In early 2021, after nearly sixty years of European custody, and twenty-nine years of ownership by the diligent German collector, this 300 SL was acquired by the current owner, an enthusiast based in California, and imported to the United States. During the consignor’s care the car was entrusted to the noted Mercedes-Benz specialist Scott Grundfor for maintenance and event preparation, including the installation of a Bluetooth unit. The Roadster then proceeded to turn in a flawless performance at the 2023 Colorado Grand, and it remains ideally prepared for further enjoyment on the many touring events for which it is eligible.

Accompanied by a hard top, two-piece fitted luggage, owner’s manuals, and tools; and documented with prior bills of sale, Fahrzeugbriefs, TÜV inspection reports, a factory data card, and the original Swiss title, this beautiful 300 SL is both well documented and accessorized. Engine stampings consistent with the factory data card suggest the car continues to retain its matching-numbers alloy-block engine, a particularly rare feature among the alloy-block cars that makes this example all the more special. Furthermore, it is important to note that the car is fitted with its original rear axle alongside a non-original gearbox of the correct type.

Ideal for immediate enjoyment, be it during display or touring event use, the Mercedes-Benz also holds the tantalizing proposition of a return to its original color. For the owner that might wish to steward the car back to its extremely rare original factory livery, the car could be refinished in its original color of Dunkelrot Metallic, which will almost certainly curry the favor of concours judges and originality purists. In any event, this magnificent Roadster would make a crowning addition to any sports car collection or marque gathering, as a sensational example of the ultimate specification of the mighty Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.