The 300 SL Gullwing coupe was a pivotal automobile in Mercedes-Benz’s storied history for many reasons and it resulted from the foresight and influence of the legendary importer Max Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman pushed the company to bring a road-going version of its Le Mans-winning coupe to market and unveiled the fabulous new machine in New York City in 1954, the first time a Mercedes-Benz had ever been introduced outside Germany.

Following the wildly successful production run of the 300 SL Gullwing coupe, Mercedes-Benz hand built 1,858 examples of the 300 SL Roadster at their Sindelfingen plant in Germany between 1957 and 1963. The $10,950 price tag for the Roadster represented price increase over the coupe, but offered greater practicality while retaining the outstanding driving dynamics for which the 300 SL had become known.

Mercedes-Benz carried out a host of mechanical improvements and stylistic revisions for the Roadster, including a new rear-axle design for more predictable handling and a modified space frame chassis that allowed for conventionally hinged doors. Over the Gullwing, the Roadster offered easier ingress, roll-up windows, and a useful trunk. It also featured an easy-to-use soft top, which allowed passengers to more fully enjoy the fantastic exhaust note of its advanced inline six-cylinder engine, resulting in thrilling, high-performance, open-air motoring. These features together resulted in an automobile that many believe is perhaps the most well-rounded and practical of all classic sports cars.

This exceptional Roadster spent its early years in Missouri and Virginia, and was eventually the recipient of a meticulous restoration carried out by famed Mercedes-Benz specialists Rudi and Company of Victoria, BC, prior to 2012. A previous description on file summarizes the restoration and notes that its body received a painstaking level of preparation prior to its high-quality repaint. The SL then received new rubber seals, lenses, glass, and show-quality chrome plating. Further attention was lavished on the interior, which was upholstered in stunning green leather.

Rudi and Company also balanced the engine’s internals and fitted new pistons, valves, and guides, along with a new timing chain and timing gears. They also performed an injection pump and gearbox overhaul, a rebuilding and balancing of the driveshaft, and fitted new brakes and shock absorbers, among many other items. With countless parts supplied by the renowned Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California, the completed car was tested for 300 miles and given an initial service with the head re-torqued, valves adjusted, and all fluids changed. Following the road test and service, this 300 SL was then given a final wet sand, full polish, and detail, highlighting Rudi and Company’s dedication and fastidiousness. The consignor’s father, a prominent East Coast collector with one of the finest collections in the country, acquired the Mercedes-Benz in 2012 and it has remained in the family ever since.

The consignor, an avid enthusiast and collector himself, participated in the Colorado Grand with the SL, and in recent years it has been a fixture of his own magnificent collection of European sports cars. The 300 SL is fitted with a black soft top as well as a desirable hardtop and it also wears a set of handsome Rudge-style knock-off wheels. The Mercedes-Benz is offered with a tool kit, jack, knock-off hammer, and manuals, and supplied with additional spare parts, which include the hubs required to return the car back to its standard wheels.

Today, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz still presents beautifully and is sure to impress, whether it be on the concours lawn or the open road. Considering its restoration by one of the world’s most recognized 300 SL specialists, its outstanding presentation, striking color scheme, desirable accessories, and genuine character, one would be hard-pressed to improve upon the impeccable credentials of this 300 SL Roadster. For the collector looking to add one of the world’s most versatile and important sports cars to their collection, Gooding & Company encourages close inspection and serious consideration of this exquisite Mercedes-Benz.