Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
s/n 198 042 10 002 538, engine no. 198.980-10-002591
Red with Black Hard Top and Black Leather Interior

The 300SL was one of the most exotic cars available when it was new. Directly descended from racing cars, and chock full of innovative features, they were fast, beautiful, and expensive. Arguably the first 'supercar' ever (others claim that honor should be bestowed upon the Lamborghini Miura), the 300SL has been described as the McLaren F1 of its day. Thanks to Mercedes' development work during World War II in aircraft engines, the300SL became the first production car to feature fuel injection (directly injected into the cylinders no less), and the light but strong spaceframe necessitated the now legendary and often copied upwards opening doors on the closed variant of the car. The result was a stunningly beautiful but also functional car that was, depending on gearing, the fastest production car in the world. Surrounded by separate frame carbureted contemporaries, the SL was truly a glimpse of the future and remains today a very special car indeed. Its appeal is timeless and consequently, 300SLs have remained 'blue-chip' collector cars that are always in demand and perhaps even culturally embedded as one of the most iconic and greatest cars of all time.

The roadster version was for many years overshadowed by the gullwing; however, as more savvy enthusiasts have become privy to the advantages of the roadster, their values are now catching up to those of the coupes. Indeed, the increased practicality of proper wind-up windows and doors, improved drivability from the revised rear suspension, and inimitable open air experience make the roadster a more enjoyable car to use than the gullwing.

This particular car is a lovely example that has a wonderfully honest and wholesome feel, and appears to have covered less than 31,000 miles from new. A matching numbers car, this 300SL retains its original interior and has been repainted in its original color combination of DB534 fire brigade red with DB040 black hard top. It also retains its original Becker Mexico radio, which is listed as an option on its Mercedes-Benz Classic certificate along with the colors and engine number. The car was delivered new in the United States on 1 April 1960. A booklet traces the gradual accumulation of mileage into the 1970s, at which time the car had approximately 20,000 miles. By the late 1990s, the car had found its way to the Northeast, where it was being maintained by Hatch and Sons. They sold the car to its current owner in April 2002, at which time it was still with its original paint and interior and showed 27,000 miles, which was believed to be from new. The car now shows just under 31,000 miles, which in our assessment is likely to be accurate. We invite inspections to confirm this is the case as the car has the unique feel of a low mileage unrestored car.

The car was sympathetically restored at this time, with new chrome and paint from bare metal. The interior was redyed but not restored. The fuel tank was also restored at this time, new fuel hoses and filters installed, and new shock absorbers also fitted. The car had an excellent body, with one small area of filler on the nose, and virtually no rust. In 2006, the car received a comprehensive 114 hour mechanical service by RPM in Vermont. This included removing the bottom of the engine including the crankshaft, which was found to be in good order and was reinstalled. The transmission and engine were resealed, and the fuel injection system rebuilt, including injection pump, diaphragm, new plungers, and rebuilt injectors. The clutch, pressure plate, and release bearing were replaced, and most of the engine ancillaries overhauled as well, including starter, generator, water pump, and recored radiator. The valves were also adjusted. The engine compartment was comprehensively detailed with some cosmetic freshening performed including new decals. Since then, the car has been regularly serviced and runs and drives very well at this time.

Cosmetically, the car makes a strong impression. The body is straight and solid with excellent fit. The paintwork was done to high standards and remains nearly unmarked. The chrome is very good to excellent overall with crisp lines representative of components that have not been worked excessively over the course of several refinishes. There is one small scratch on the right side of the front bumper, and a few small dents in the overriders. The remaining chrome trim is excellent. The car sits on vintage Michelin X tires and the wheels have the correct plastic valve stem holders and factory type wheel weights. The lights and glass are excellent throughout and the car has H4 headlamps.

The interior is in lovely original condition with some creasing and minor cracks but great original presentation overall. There is an exceptional honesty to the car that is particularly evident in the interior. The leather trim on the dashboard is very nice, as are the instruments and switches, which are very nice unrestored condition as well. The carpets show some wear and the car is still equipped with its Becker Mexico radio, which appears on the Mercedes-Benz Classic certificate for this car. The steering wheel is in excellent condition and the interior has the distinctive smell that is unique to a 300SL with original interior. The hard top headliner is original, having never been renewed.

The engine compartment is tidy and nicely detailed, with some refinishing work done to an attractive level without being over-restored. Close inspection reveals some oil and dust but the overall presentation of the engine compartment is appropriate for a nicely restored car of this caliber. The undercarriage has never been restored and has a solid and honest appearance that supports the The trunk appears to retain its original carpet which is in good physical condition but has some fading. A reproduction tool roll with tools is included with the car.

The car runs and drives well, in a manner that is consistent with a 30,000 mile car. It starts easily and runs smoothly even when cold. The fuel injection is properly tuned and the engine performs well. The gearbox shifts easily and the chassis and suspension function as they should. The brake pedal travel is somewhat long but once they engage, they are effective and stop the car evenly.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a lovely matching-numbers 300SL Roadster. Finished in its original color combination, the car retains its original equipment including matching number engine, Becker Mexico radio, and original interior. It also comes with original manual pouch with owner’s manual and parts catalog, and service records back to 1999. It has seen extensive recent maintenance and freshening but has never needed to be completely disassembled for restoration and is all the better for it. The low indicated mileage appears to be from new and the car has a wonderful wholesome feel to it that is virtually impossible to find in restored cars.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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