Vehicle Description
1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster: Desirable Late Production
Example with Disc Brakes and Alloy Engine: Originally Born in DB 40
Black Benefiting from a host of gradual refinements over the
six-year period of production, the 1963 model 300SL roadster
featured the introduction of the lightweight alloy block engine
beginning with chassis number 003049, and desirable Dunlop disc
brakes beginning with chassis number 002780 (offered from
1961-1963). A total of 1,858 roadsters were built from 1957-1963,
however a mere 26 roadsters were constructed in the final year of
production. And while just 244 roadsters were built in 1962, and
several were assigned 1963 registration and title, any of these
final production alloy motor cars are extraordinarily rare and
continually sought after by astute collectors.This particularly
handsome example has benefited from a comprehensive restoration
performed several years ago. Reportedly under long term ownership
after the restoration, the former owner is said to have engaged
marque expert Paul Russel to service his cars. Very nicely
preserved and thoughtfully maintained by previous owners, this
300SL roadster currently displays 87,043 miles. During the
restoration, a correct alloy type replacement engine block was
installed and stamped with a number that matches the chassis number
for the car. A recent inspection brake service was performed by
local specialists at Burlingame Motors, Burlingame, CA. The front
brake calipers were disassembled, cleaned, and new seals and
pistons installed along with replacement of the rear axle boot.
Additional brake work included rebuilding the brake booster,
replacing the master cylinder, as well as replacing the front and
rear brake hoses. The car has since been driven several miles and
is in good mechanical order. Today this rare and beautiful 300SL
Roadster presents as a very handsome older restoration with
delightful cosmetics and responsive mechanical continuity. Clearly
the restoration was performed to a very high level as the quality
of the materials and finishes convey excellence both in retained
quality and fitment. The silver paint was formulated with the
correct metallic flake and uniformly applied. The finish remains
glossy and smooth with attractive presentation. The doors, hood,
and trunk gaps are tidy and even throughout. The hood and trunk
open and shut smoothly and the doors have properly finished jambs,
also opening and shutting tightly with notable German precision.
The interior has a very handsome and settled presence which speaks
well of the longevity of the finishes and quality of materials used
during the restoration. The beautifully contoured leather surfaces
have been properly stitched and applied with both the leather and
distinctive Mercedes-Benz perforated seat insert material. The
workmanship throughout the interior is of high quality with
excellent feel to the beautifully fitted leather topped dash,
pleated door panels, and braided leather door pulls. The black
canvas top smoothly disappears into the hinged rear deck and
latches into the windshield header with tight closure including a
clear, taut rear window. The dashboard is simply beautiful, with
vivid instruments, excellent numeric indication, clear lenses, and
finely restored details including the colorful center gauge
cluster. The overall visual impact of the interior is quite nice,
exhibiting uniform finishes clearly enjoyed since restoration but
lovingly and professionally tended to as one might expect from past
dedicated owners.Under the hood, the correctly finished
fuel-injected 300SL engine is a visually captivating example of
sculpted artistry and mechanical excellence. The engine compartment
is clean and well-presented reflective of the quality of the
restoration performed some years ago. Installed during the
restoration, the replacement engine block has been stamped with the
corresponding chassis number and finished with authentic components
including a correct type fuel injection and rare engine parts.
Correct finishes, proper fittings, and attention to detail is
evident throughout the engine compartment. The correct air cleaner
housing and fittings are in place along with correct engine decals.
The engine is well tuned with no fuel-injection issues and delivers
snappy throttle response when pressed into action. The gearbox
engages easily in all gears offering smooth shifts and a properly
sprung clutch. Suspension is quite pleasant on the highway with
light steering, great passing power, and symmetrical braking with a
nice, even bite from the disc brakes when coming down from faster
speeds. The chassis and underbody components are in very good
condition overall with no visible signs of structural compromise.
The integrity of the restoration on all upper surfaces is reflected
diligently in the underside which has been correctly finished and
properly restored.One of the most exotic cars available when new,
the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was a performance leader in all
respects, brimming with innovative features, many of which would
become hallmarks of modern engineering. Today these fast,
beautiful, and exclusive cars continue to appeal to collectors and
enthusiasts for their inherent beauty, exceptional build quality,
and ease of use especially when it comes to vintage road events.
This beautifully finished example is ready for enjoyable driving,
premier vintage road tours, or weekend travel, reflecting all the
promises of superb luxury sport motoring as one of the finest
Mercedes-Benz sports cars ever produced. Chassis no.
198.042-10-003159Engine no. 198042-10-003159 (stamped replacement
alloy motor)Body no. 198.042-10-00171 Desirable Late Production
Example Disc Brakes and Alloy Engine Originally Born in DB 40 Black
Handsome Older Restoration Price: $1,495,000