235 hp, 2,996 cc single overhead cam inline six-cylinder engine, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, four-speed manual gearbox, coil spring independent front suspension, coil spring swing axle rear suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5"

• Matching number example; ex-Ned Tanen

• Regularly maintained by Mercedes-Benz experts

• Strong mechanical and cosmetic condition

• Mercedes’ most iconic roadster

Although Mercedes’ classic 300SL ‘Gullwing’ Coupe is rightfully recognized for its beautiful appearance and sporting pedigree, by the end of the model’s three-year production run, many drivers agreed that the car left much to be desired in terms of ergonomics and ease of use. Addressing these numerous criticisms, Daimler-Benz unveiled a successor to the Gullwing at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, a new convertible iteration dubbed the 300SL Roadster. The roadster’s redesigned space frame cleared the way for conventional doors, a change that not only made entering and exiting the car much easier but also allowed for wind-up windows, a feature that provided ventilation sorely lacking in the Gullwing’s notoriously hot cabin.

While transforming the platform into a convertible required structural reinforcement that made the 300SL slightly heavier than its predecessor, performance was essentially the same due to the use of a competition-style camshaft, which boosted the engine’s power output by 20 hp. Handling was improved with the implementation of a lower pivot-point on the rear swing-axle suspension, a modification that was further bolstered by a wider track and fatter tires. By the time production ceased in 1963, only approximately 1,858 examples of the 300SL Roadster were built, and the sublime convertible remains an elegant and revered progenitor of the vaunted lineage of SL road cars that followed.

By late-1987, this 300SL Roadster had come into the care of Hollywood producer Ned Stone Tanen, a legendary studio executive with Universal Studios and Paramount Pictures who headed production of some of the 1970s biggest blockbuster films, including American Graffiti, Jaws, The Deer Hunter, and The Blues Brothers. In the early-1980s, Mr. Tanen left Universal to independently produce comedies that are now considered to be generational icons, including Sixteen Candles, St. Elmo’s Fire, and The Breakfast Club. Considering that Mr. Tanen purchased this elegant roadster while at the apex of his career, one might view the car as a benchmark of his finest hour.

A rich compendium of service receipts reflects Mr. Tanen’s sincere and meticulous care of this Mercedes-Benz during his ownership, with the first major round of investment including a freshening in 1995 by Hjeltness Restoration, of Escondido, California, recognized specialists in 300SL restorations. Over the ensuing years, the paint was refinished, the hardtop was refurbished, and the gas gauge and the heater were repaired. In 2005, Mr. Tanen had the 300SL appraised, at which time the car was evaluated to be a strong example.

In 2007, Mr. Tanen invested further effort in the car’s presentation, retaining Sehmi Motors, of Los Angeles, specialists in the service and restoration of Mercedes-Benz, to replace the trunk seals and tonneau-cover seals, repair the radio and clock, re-chrome the bumpers, tune up the engine, repair the fuel pump, and replace all tie-rods. After a reappraisal by the same firm in 2008, Mr. Tanen commissioned Van Nuys Sports Cars, of Sherman Oaks, California, also specialists in Mercedes-Benz, to conduct some mechanical work, including cleaning the fuel injectors, reconditioning the intake manifold, and replacing the water pump.

After Mr. Tanen’s passing in 2009, his beautiful automobile collection was gradually dispersed. The final three cars of the collection, which included this classic Mercedes roadster, as well a Shelby Cobra and a Ferrari 275 GTB, were acquired by the consignor, a bi-coastal enthusiast who maintains a sparingly driven collection of fine automobiles at his West Coast estate in Montecito, California. While in this desirable state of controlled storage, this car was regularly tended to by Jack Bianchi, a renowned veteran of the Santa Barbara motoring niche and an experienced sports car mechanic. In addition to ensuring that the 300SL remained in strong mechanical condition, ever prepared for the always-possible arrival of its owner, Mr. Bianchi undertook a handful of minor measures to further bolster the car’s authenticity. These steps included sourcing an elusive, proper, white factory steering wheel with the correct horn ring to replace the Nardi wheel that Mr. Tanen had preferred. The car’s originality is further enriched by the presence of all of its original manuals and warranty cards, including the original tire warranty, as well as a complete toolkit.

This charming 300SL is a mechanically numbers-matching example, one that certainly offers strong cosmetic quality and can be enjoyed as a capable driver. It promises its next owner ease of use and luxurious performance as one of Mercedes’ most esteemed open-top models. An arresting example of Mercedes’ classic SL Roadster that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes, this car would beautifully complement the finest of collections.