Vehicle Description
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SLRoadster 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
For SaleLooking 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!For $1,125,000