Vehicle Description
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SLRoadster Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to own a rare 1961 300SL Roadster? Unveiled at the 1954
International Motor Sports Show, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL (Sport
Light) has since become a preeminent icon of the automotive world.
Voted Sports Car of the Century in 1999, with many such awards
before and since; with its flat, graceful body, low fenders,
distinct hood bulges, and race car-inspired side vents, the 300SL
has curves for days and even 50+ years later has lost nothing of
its past appeal. Unfortunately for classic car lovers, the assembly
line waved goodbye to the last of only 1,858 300SL's in 1963, but
very occasionally one of these exceptional vehicles comes back onto
the market! A direct development of the automaker's post-war
reentry into the world of international racing, the challenge for
engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut was to build a race car like the W194,
but tailored for road use. Performance automobiles for public
purchase and the "Gullwing" Mercedes were born. Next up was the
Roadster 300SL, a "topless" and technically better version of the
original Gullwing model increased horsepower, additional structural
support, better handling, and better cabin airflow. Capable of
amazing top speeds of 125-150+ mph for its time. At a list price
around $11,000 the SL Roadster was not cheap, but compared with
today's inflation-adjusted MSRP of around $95,000 to current 300SL
valuations sounds, it sounds like a great price! This particular
car is a beautiful and unrestored matching-numbers 1961
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster comes in fire engine red (factory
color code 534) with a likely-original creme leather interior. It
runs and drives with 76,659 miles showing on the odometer. This is
a one-owner car, and not just any owner but a meticulous surgeon,
war veteran and pilot who loved the car, raced the car, and kept
the original invoice. As such, the car was delivered to J.R.P
Motorcars out of Bryn Mawr, PA in early 1963, serial number
300sl-002716. It was actually the owner's second 300SL Roadster,
trading-in his 1957 300SL to upgrade to the new-and-improved 1961
model. The car was driven until his death in 1994 and was even
mentioned in his obituary, and then garaged by his widow until
present day. A beautiful one-family-owned, unmolested, original
patina example like this is almost impossible to find anymore, as
almost all available 300SLs have been restored. Cosmetically, the
car is in amazing condition with a very straight body and a finish
that remains glossy. Patina adds to the attractive vintage
presentation, but overall this is a well-maintained example without
any prior restorations. The doors, hood, and trunk all open and
shut smoothly. The emblems and lenses are in good condition, with
light surface hazing on the chrome. The engine starts easily and
settles to a smooth idle, and the gearbox engages easily with
smooth shifting and pleasant action. The suspension provides easy
handling with the 300SL's surprisingly light steering, even at slow
speeds. Underside components and the chassis are all in good
condition. All the lights, the horn, and even the electric antenna
work too. The car comes with a copy of the car's build sheet and
the original dealer invoice. This excellent and original matching
numbers 1961 300SL Roadster is ready for its next owner to enjoy
the pleasure and prestige of not only owning a piece of history but
driving a truly beautiful automobile! Call for price