Lot 207: 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was conceived as a sports-racer rather than a sports car, first proving its mettle on the track before the production model appeared, and it went on to notch up an impressive number of competition successes. It all began with a small number of racing SL prototypes built in 1952 which won, amongst other great races, that year's Le Mans 24 Hours and the marathon Carrera Panamericana. As the Stuttgart concern's first post-war competition car the 300 SL combined suspension and running gear from the then new 300 series production models with a light, multi-tube spaceframe chassis carrying special coupé bodywork. Full-height side opening doors would have compromised rigidity in the high-sided chassis so half-height doors, hinged at the roof centre to lift upward, were developed for the car and the famous 'gullwing' design was born. A 3.0 litre straight six cylinder, the 300 SL's engine used dry sump lubrication and Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the latter a world first for a production car. It was also one of the most potent engines of its day, providing top speeds of 130 to 165mph depending on gearing. The car's advanced chassis design ensured great strength and safety whilst providing fine handling thanks to its light weight. An interesting Gullwing feature was the steering wheel hinged at the base of its hub to tilt almost upside down, thus easing driver entry/exit. Its overall styling hardly needs comment, except to note that it was much lower and sleeker than that of contemporary sports cars. Distinguishing features such as the big tri-star grille emblem, wheel arch 'eyebrows' and 'egg crate' front wing louvres adorned the body, while the purposeful interior was somewhat reminiscent of a Messerschmitt fighter plane! The exclusive 300SL - just 1,400 coupes were built between 1954 and 1957 and 1,858 convertibles between 1957 to 1958 - also cost a fortune: £5,600 for the Gullwing in 1954 against £1,400 for a Jaguar XK120, but excellence is never cheap, and the SLs were magnificent: solid, handsome and very fast. In fact, nothing could outpace them for years except for the occasional Ferrari, which was hardly a 'production' car in those days. The 300 SL won more competitions in its time than virtually any other car since. There are far too many victories to list here; suffice to say that no other manufacturer could field a car that could combine such speed, reliability and all round ability as the 300 SL, which allowed it to excel in events as varied as the Targa Florio, Mille Miglia and at Le Mans. With many 300 SLs having been sold via Coys over the years, we are exceptionally proud to offer a further example in such excellent condition. Although restored in recent years by a top German specialist, the photographs here were in fact taken prior to the work commencing and as a result the car is now in truly excellent order, the refurbishment including a 'bare metal' re-spray in the traditional colour of silver and complete re-trimming of the red leather interior. Mechanically, the car was already in fine condition; nonetheless, both axles were removed and overhauled while the original drum brakes were substituted with more powerful disc items. These iconic sports cars have in recent years proved to be one of the best 'blue chip' investments as their popularity continues to grow. We are therefore delighted to offer this beautiful example which is supplied with German registration papers.Aprs une restauration récente, cette voiture 300 SL Roadster de 1961 est décrite par son actuel propriétaire comme étant dans des superbes conditions avec une restauration légre de date récente. Nouvelle peinture gris, sellerie rouge neuve et freins a disques installes en Allemagne. Documents de circulation allemandes.