Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster 1963, Alemanha
Fotografia
The first racers were open-topped but before the '52 season's end the distinctive 'Gullwing' doored Coupé had appeared. Launched in 1954, the production 300 SL retained the spaceframe chassis of the racer and was powered by a 2,996cc, overhead-camshaft, inline six canted at 45 degrees to achieve a lower, more aerodynamic bonnet line. Using direct fuel injection, this state-of-the-art power unit produced 215 horsepower, which was transmitted to the road via four-speed gearbox. Suspension was independent all round by wishbones and coil springs at the front, with swing axles and coil springs at the rear.
Tested by the respected American magazine Road & Track in 1955, the 300 SL accelerated from 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in 7.4 seconds, going on to achieve a top speed of 140mph (225km/h): outstanding figures for its day. It was, arguably, the world's first supercar.
Clearly the 300 SL Coupé would be a hard act to follow yet the Roadster version, introduced just three years later, succeeded in bettering its closed cousin's already exemplary road manners. Built with conventional doors, the 300 SL Roadster was introduced in May 1957 and was an immediate hit with the 1950s Jet Set of royalty, actors, and socialites. The production of an open 300 SL involved altering the cockpit area, where the spaceframe was redesigned to permit lower sills for improved access. At the same time the rear suspension was changed to incorporate low-pivot swing axles, a move that greatly improved both roadholding and handling. Disc brakes were standardised from March 1961, while towards the end of production a small batch of Roadsters was completed with an aluminium cylinder block.
The 300 SL Roadster sold well for a car that cost more than a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder and would out-live the 300 SL Coupé by several years. Roadster production ceased in 1963 after 1,858 cars had been built, and today the model is both rare and highly sought after.
The 14th from last 300 SL Roadster completed, this car is one of 26 manufactured in January and February 1963 and one of the highly prized 200 examples built with disc brakes and an all-aluminium engine (copy of data sheet available). Delivered new to Germany, the car received its first service at Daimler Benz, Stuttgart on 23rd December 1963 at 570 kilometres, as can be seen in its original service booklet. On file, this service booklet was duly filled out and stamped until a distance of 69,800 kilometres had been covered.
The current vendor, owner of a collection of mainly Mercedes-Benz cars, purchased the 300 SL in 1982 at circa 79,000 kilometres from a Mr Siegfried Kuebe of Heidelberg, who appears to have been only its third owner. Some 12,000 kilometres have been covered during the vendor's ownership, making the distance travelled from new circa 91,500 kilometres. In spite of covering only a modest 300-or-so kilometres annually, the car has always received the necessary maintenance and servicing.
The 300 SL was restored cosmetically around 20 years ago when it received a bare-metal re-spray from blue in its more appropriate silver livery, while the red leather interior was re-trimmed. Never used for rallies, the car has nevertheless been exhibited at various concours d'élégance events where it has been a regular contender.
This beautiful 300 SL Roadster comes with German historic registration papers and fresh TüV valid until December 2021. Ultra rare and presented in very good condition, it would make an exhilarating yet extremely practical touring companion. Indeed, there cannot be many better ways of travelling to a classic event, taking part and driving home.
