1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

It would nearly impossible to follow the 300SL Gullwing, but not only would be the Roadster version of the 300SL become very popular in its own right, in many ways, it would create a legend all its own.

Production of the Gullwing would come to an end in 1957. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz would phase in their Roadster version. Sharing the same basic dimensions and character, the Roadster would seem a hand-me-down version of the Gullwing, but that would be far from the truth as the Roadster model would introduce many new features, including disc brakes, that would make it a solid perform in its own right.

Production of the Roadster would carry on into the early 1960s with the final few beginning construction in late 1963. Those that would be finished in 1964 would be the last of the 300SL Roadster. Chassis 003207 would be one of those last ones.

Over the course of six years, Mercedes-Benz would produce nearly 1,860 examples of the Roadster. Only 218 of this total number would be produced with disc brakes and an alloy-block. Numbering of the chassis would suggest 003207 would be among the last fifty to be built. Actual construction of the car would begin in late-1963. The scheduled delivery of the Roadster was to take place in late-February of 1964. This delivery date would make it one of the last three to ever leave the Mercedes-Benz factory.

Initially, the Roadster was to head to Iran. However, it is unknown as to whether the car actually made the trip or not. What is known is that by 1971, 003207 would be in the Seattle area. The car would be owned by Phil Smart Mercedes-Benz at the time. Later that year, the car would be sold to a gentleman from Bellingham, Washington. Even at this time the car was still in a highly original state.

Eventually, the 300SL would find itself parked in a garage. However, a Mercedes-Benz enthusiast would come along and discover the car. It would be purchased and would join a collection that already included a Gullwing and another Roadster. Though just one of a number of 300SLs, 003207 would find a special place in the collection as it would remain with the owner for more than 40 years.

All through the four decades of ownership the Roadster would remain highly original and untouched. Original paint, hardware and panels all comprise this remarkable 300SL Roadster. Having less than 50,000 miles, this 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is certainly an exceptional example of the Roadster legend.

Sources:
'1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9721/Mercedes-Benz-300-SL.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z9721/Mercedes-Benz-300-SL.aspx. Retrieved 17 February 2014.

Danielson, C. 'eMercedesBenz Feature: The 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Racing Sport Coupe', (http://emercedesbenz.com/Jul08/03_001238_eMercedesBenz_Feature_
The_1952_Mercedes_Benz_300_SL_Racing_Sport_Coupe.html). eMercedesBenz. http://emercedesbenz.com/Jul08/
03_001238_eMercedesBenz_Feature_The_1952_Mercedes_Benz_300_SL_
Racing_Sport_Coupe.html. Retrieved 17 February 2014.

'Lot No. 29: 1964 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster', (http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1964-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster/). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/
1964-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster/. Retrieved 17 February 2014.

By Jeremy McMullen