For Sale at Auction: 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 198.042.10.002462
Engine No. 198.980.10.002954
Body No. A198.042.10.00184

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster emerged from a remarkable era of postwar ingenuity and motorsport dominance. Its story begins with the W194 300 SL competition car, which earned international acclaim through decisive victories at events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the grueling Carrera Panamericana. These successes directly inspired the 1954 introduction of the legendary 300 SL Gullwing Coupe. This bold undertaking was championed by influential American importer Max Hoffman, who recognized a strong appetite in the U.S. for a technologically advanced, high-performance Mercedes-Benz. The Gullwing's immediate success soon led Hoffman to advocate for an open-top variant, tailored to sun-soaked markets like California.

Engineers extensively redesigned the complex tubular space frame to accommodate conventional side-hinged doors, replacing the Coupe's distinctive roof-hinged "Gullwing" configuration. This redesign resulted in a more accessible and refined driving experience. A smaller fuel tank allowed the spare wheel to be placed lower in the trunk. This not only increased the trunk's useable space but allowed for an optional two-piece luggage set. Significant mechanical improvements further enhanced its useability. Notably, the introduction of a low-pivot swing-axle rear suspension substantially reduced the snap-oversteer characteristic of the earlier design, while softer spring rates improved ride comfort.

Under the hood, the Roadster retained the innovative 3.0-liter inline-six with Bosch-developed direct fuel injection, a first for a production automobile. To counteract the Roadster's weight increase, the previously optional sport camshafts became standard and raised output to 240 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. With its refined driving characteristics, iconic styling, and improved usability, the 300 SL Roadster quickly became established as the most advanced and desirable open-air sports car of its era.

A digital copy of the original Data Card for this 300 SL Roadster shows that it was originally ordered in a striking two-tone livery in Light Blue (334) with an Ivory (608) hard top. As researched by noted 300 SL expert Chris Kramer, this Roadster is one of just 101 examples ordered new in Light Blue, representing just 5.4-percent of total Roadster production. Of these 101 Roadsters, just a select few would have been specified in this two-tone combination. The Data Card continues to show it was originally specified with a Cream leather (1060) interior, a Becker Mexico radio, and white wall tires mounted on "sport wheels" with chrome centers and highly polished barrels. The order was placed through Daimler-Benz of North America at Rockefeller Center in New York, prompting the inclusion of the option group of special equipment for cars destined for the U.S. market. Utilizing the port of New Orleans, Louisiana, for entry into the U.S., its "Liefertag" or delivery day was on 22 December 1959. Delivery came just in time for a joyous Christmas!

The ownership history, as documented by the Gull Wing Group, shows that the first known owner was Dr. Thomas Grant Bentley, of Waco, Texas. Passionate about his work as a dentist, he served as a diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and was a noted past president of the Central Texas Dental Society. The Roadster no-doubt served as the ideal high-speed transportation to meetings across the region. It remained in the Lone Star state, moving to Grand Prairie in 1969 when it was acquired by David N. Barros. From there, the Mercedes moved further westward when it was acquired by Peter Thomas of Scottsdale, Arizona. Thomas was a Canadian entrepreneur best known for his role as the founding partner and chairman of Century 21 Real Estate Canada Ltd, as well as for developing the Four Seasons Resort and Hotel in Scottsdale.

While in the Grand Canyon State in the early 2000s, the car was brought to renowned 300 SL restorer Mark Passarelli at Passarelli Restorations of Cave Creek, Arizona. Under his care, the car underwent a comprehensive body-off restoration, as indicated in prior research. The chassis was expertly stripped and restored to the factory's exacting specifications. Next was the mechanical systems, including the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical system. When the rolling chassis was complete, it was brought to Scottsdale for a display coordinated by Mercedes-Benz of North America to showcase the SL's lineage. After proudly the technical side of their restorations that are rarely seen by the public, the original, matching-numbers body was reunited with the chassis. Finished in sporting Silver, the interior was retrimmed with fresh Red leather. The finishing touches to the restoration, which concluded in 2002, included upgrading the headlights to European-specification units and crafting a two-piece set of fitted red leather luggage.

This magnificent 300 SL Roadster remains in remarkable condition despite being restored over two decades ago. Not just the result of lovingly cared for since its restoration, but the Roadsters condition also shows the inherent quality of the work completed by Passarelli. Given its rarity and condition, this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is a truly enticing opportunity to acquire a strong candidate for entry into the prestigious international concours events for which it qualifies or countless tours and rallies, including the California Mille or the Colorado Grand, in this shining example of the era-defining sports car.