Fantasy Junction

Description

• Retained by three long term owners for the past six decades
• Remarkably well preserved with its original matching-numbers chassis, engine, and body as noted on the Data Card
• Well maintained from new, having never required a full restoration
• Finished in Feuerwehrrot (Fire Engine Red) which is believed to be largely original over a tan leather interior
• Furnished with a two-piece luggage set, workshop manual, owner's manual, tool roll, and more
• The most advanced road going sports car of its era and a cornerstone collector car

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Chassis No. 198.042.10.002442 

Engine No. 198.980.10.002490
Body No. A198.042.10.000164
Red with Beige Leather Interior

- Known history since delivered new with three US owners spanning 60+ years
- Documented numbers matching 300SL “Big Brake” with Data Card
- Excellent condition throughout ready for enjoyable events and club gatherings

History of the 300SL Roadster

Among the most celebrated performance cars of the modern era, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL roadster continually resides at the top of premier collector and expert vintage car enthusiasts lists. Recognized as one of the most important and iconic sports cars ever built, the Gullwing and Roadster models established numerous milestones of technical and design excellence when first released. These exceptional cars have remained eternally ensconced at center stage of virtually every premier collection throughout the world. Originally released in 1954 with production culminating in 1957, the gullwing arrived as a triumph of engineering and design, followed three years later by the roadster. Delivered with production fuel-injection (first of its kind), and achieving the world's fastest top speed for the time, the 300 SL (S-Sport, L-Light) confirmed Max Hoffman’s challenge to Mercedes-Benz engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut – to build a Gran-Prix car tailored for road use.



Despite the impressive cost when new, demand for the gullwing was high, yet the growing US market, especially on the west coast, wanted unique cars with open configurations. This demand urged Hoffman to once again challenge Mercedes-Benz to build the 1957 roadster. Far more than a topless 300SL, the roadster was entirely unique with literally every part developed separately from the gullwing. These formidable engineering specifications allowed the roadster to develop with significant improvements learned from the shortcomings of the gullwing platform. The roadster was fortified with additional structural frame members and the side structure improved for traditionally hinged doors, allowing for larger openings and a great deal more ease with cockpit entry and exit. Further structural improvements resulted in greater torsional rigidity and better handling via single-pivot swing-axle rear suspension, which improved the former gullwing bump oversteer. Other improvements such as roll-up windows, increased horsepower, and softer coil springs made for a much more enjoyable ride without compromising the sporting nature of the race-bred original.



Under the hood, the 2,996 cc SOHC engine was, like the gullwing, mounted at a 45-degree angle, allowing for a dramatically lower hood line. The in-line six-cylinder engine featured Bosch mechanical fuel-injection delivering 225bhp at 5,800 rpm. Coupled to a close ratio 4-speed manual transmission, the 300SL roadster was not only a highly capable road car, the manners and comfort of the 4-wheel independent suspension allowed for impressive touring, particularly on high-speed roads where a 300SL roadster could easily achieve 150mph, an impressive figure even by modern standards. 

Offered at $11,000.00 when new (more than the gullwing), roadsters were sold to very special clientele, eventually replacing the gullwing as the premier halo sports car from Mercedes-Benz. Typical of Mercedes-Benz, ongoing improvements were made as production proceeded before the model run ended in 1963. Essentially a handmade car with every aspect of construction befitting the impressive price, a mere 241 examples were crafted in 1960.

History of this Roadster

This beautiful 300SL has been under continuous long-term US ownership for the past sixty years. The matching numbers chassis, engine, and body are confirmed by the Mercedes-Benz data card which also states the car was prepared at the factory finished in red and trimmed with beige interior. As a late series production car this 300SL is also desirably equipped from the factory with larger drum brakes. Delivered to the first owner in Curaçao as part of the Netherlands Antilles on 22 October 1959, the car was soon imported to the U.S. and purchased by retired World War II Navy veteran Stephen Vidovich, a successful California real estate developer, farmer, and owner of his own winery.

Having delighted in nearly 4 decades of continuous ownership, in 2005, the aging Vidovich sold the car to Creighton Helms, making him the second North American owner. Helms, a retired Army serviceman, had since become a wealthy business owner and decided to celebrate his success with the purchase of this 300SL. As an engaged enthusiast who enjoyed driving, Helms kept the car in the original condition but tended to all mechanical aspects assuring it was reliable for vintage motoring events. It is reported that the car was brought to Irvine, California, where the experts at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center were entrusted to service the car. This included a comprehensive overhaul of the fuel injection pump, a new brake master cylinder, and later a new convertible soft top, a new windshield, and a correct-grain leather retrim for the interior. Events driven at this time included the 2008 Copperstate 1000 and California Mille.

In late 2011 the third US owner purchased this roadster. As before the current owner continued the tradition of care and preservation without the need for a body-off restoration – something very few 300SL Roadsters can claim while also featuring the original chassis, original body, and the factory matching numbers engine. In preparation for sale, this 300SL Roadster Burlingame Motors changed the oil and filter, checked the transmission and differential fluids, and lubricated the chassis.


Current Condition and Presentation

Today this rare and beautiful 300SL roadster presents with handsome cosmetics and excellent mechanical continuity befitting a premier vehicle of this status. The exterior finish has aged very well under prior and current care showing minor surface areas where the finish has rub-through revealing the underpaint at the rear hardshell top cover and one area on the hood. The paint has excellent overall continuity with all panels, inner segments, and undersides finished per factory application. The exterior finish is smooth and glossy, and the doors, hood, and trunk gaps are very nice, in keeping with the high standards of original Mercedes-Benz quality and German precision. The exterior emblems and lenses are excellent, and the chrome remains quite nice including the distinctive front and rear chrome plated bumperettes. A set of chrome plated wheels with matching body color centers and painted center caps give the car a distinctive sporting stance. A set of Pirelli 4000 black-wall radial tires are mounted. The low fender line, sculpted speed blisters, and race-inspired side vents deliver a powerful presence to this ground-breaking design. The tan canvas convertible top is in excellent condition with correct headliner material, proper fit and latching achieving a taut fit when in place and stowing easily under the hinged hard-shell cover.

Having benefited from a correct retrim by the second owner, the interior is in excellent condition. The material excellence is evident in the seats, door panels, and dashboard. The correct-grain seating surfaces have been properly stitched and the distinctive Mercedes-Benz perforated insert material retains the beneficial “breathable” tufted cushioning. The workmanship throughout the interior has benefited from ongoing care including the beautifully fitted leather topped dash, pleated door panels, the smoothly covered door sills, and careful stitching. The dashboard is both beautifully finished and correct in detail, with vividly clear instrumentation, excellent numeric indication, crystal clear lenses, and fine finishes to the colorful center gauge cluster. Correct carpets are installed and, also per the Mercedes-Benz data sheet, a Becker Mexico AM/FM radio is mounted under the dashboard with a corresponding set of chrome grilled speakers mounted on the rear bulkhead. The various detailed interior switches, levers, and knobs are all beautifully finished including the light ivory steering wheel which matches the gear shift knob and horn center emblem. Inside the trunk, the condition is consistent with the interior color including a beautifully trimmed set of matching beige leather luggage cases.

Under the hood, the beautifully prepared fuel-injected 300SL engine is a captivating example of sculpted artistry and mechanical excellence. The mechanical restoration performed is generally correct and very nicely presented. The engine compartment is correct including the matching numbers engine, factory finishes, proper fittings, and attention to detail consistent with the overall quality of the car.

This 300SL starts on command either cold or warm. The engine is very well tuned both at idle and underway, delivering excellent throttle response when pressed into service. Acceleration is progressive and the gearbox engages easily in all gears offering smooth shifts aided by a properly sprung clutch. Unlike fresh restorations with unproven miles, this 300SL operates smoothly and confidently under general road use. The chassis and underbody components are consistent, tidy, and the finishes have aged very well over recent years of enjoyable driving. The car is accompanied by a set of four spare wheel covers, a set of tools and tool roll, a set of factory manuals and case, and a factory Mercedes-Benz Workshop Manual.

One of the most exciting and stylish sports cars available when new, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster remains an exclusive and highly desirable example of automobile design excellence. The exceptional build quality, club events, vintage road tours, or worldwide concours d’elegance shows allows the next owner the opportunity for ongoing enjoyment and participation in many of these events. This beautiful and well-sorted 300SL Roadster is ready to deliver on all the promises of superb luxury sport motoring continuing the iconic legacy of Mercedes-Benz for generations to come.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608