These days, it’s all Porsche this and Ferrari that. What about one of the greatest to ever do it? Seriously, Mercedes-Benz has been putting out absolutely beautiful cars for as long as they’ve existed. These cars aren’t just pretty to look at– they have true staying power and are a hidden asset to some of the greatest collections in the world. If you still overlook Mercedes-Benz after this set of cars, we don't know what else to say.
Here are our picks for some beauties to add to your collection, or dream about adding. If you want to snag them all, you’re in luck. They’re actually all being offered together at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island Auctions in March.
1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (Estimate: $1,750,000 – $2,500,000)
Ok, so you know that we couldn’t show off the most beautiful Benzes we’ve ever seen without a 60s 300 SL Roadster. These cars are just satisfying to look at. They generally have a rear-axle design for easy high-speed handling in mind. However, this model in particular has some very special features, including four-wheel disc brakes and an iron-block engine, one of the last made with these exact specifications.
It underwent a complete, $550,000+ restoration to make it one of the finest examples of its type. The restoration was pretty successful– it comes in the period-correct black with green leather upholstery as well as with a host of desirable accessories. It’s perfectly poised to become a darling of the concours circuit or a beast on the road. In other words, it’s ready for the next adventure.
1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 SE Cabriolet (Estimate: $250,000 – $300,000)
Now this is a truly stunning convertible. This model is a cabriolet variant, meaning that it is one of just 954 Cabriolet variants, sporting an increase in displacement to 2.5 liters. This particular model was sold new through the Mercedes-Benz European Delivery Program in mid-1966. For the next 31 years, it belonged to its original owner in the Ashbury Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. In the 60s and 70s?! A hip place for a hip car. It was awarded the Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s Silver Star Certification for originality before it was passed on to the current owner. This car boasts a rare four-speed manual gearbox and is highly original. It’s ready to be absolutely spoiled– just look at how beautiful it is.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,000,000)
You’d be pressed to find a bad-looking 300 SL Gullwing. This one is especially stellar though. It’s basically one of the most universally recognized design and engineering masterpieces ever in the car world. Here’s a little more history about the SL that you might now know: SL stands for “Sports Lightweight” as the car’s engineering is derived for racing with a light and strong tubular frame, all-independent suspension, and a 3.0-liter straight-six engine. There were only 1,400 hand-finished 300 SLs built in total. This is one of them, which comes accompanied by the factory-issued wagenkarte production record. It has successfully completed several long-distance touring events, including the Colorado Grand and 2018 California Mille. It was also notably restored by The Nethercutt Collection, which is a pretty swanky place for a car to be restored, in simple terms. It’s one of the most desirable examples in existence, and is one of those special cars, if you can’t tell just by looking at it.
There’s no need to quit going down this marvelous automotive rabbit hole. You can comb through the Gooding & Company catalogue ahead of the Amelia Island Auctions in March with even more beautiful examples here, or register to bid if we’ve already wooed you.
Still have questions? Contact us!
Fill the form to get in touch with our specialists.
