1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

This Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was given a restoration during the late 2000s and originally wore a Fire Engine Red paint scheme (DB 534) and trimmed with a black leather interior. It is believed (due to its chassis number) that this Roadster was equipped with one of the final cast iron engine blocks, as aluminum engines began to be equipped with chassis number 003049, just six cars after this one in the production sequence. It is, however, one of the earliest examples to be fitted with four-wheel disc brakes.

By the mid-1970s, this Roadster was in a Miami, Florida-based collection and had been repainted silver. It was subsequently acquired by John Boozer of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. By the mid-200s, it had relocated to the northeastern United States and given a substantial restoration. During the restoration, the exterior was refinished in navy blue, while the interior was reupholstered in beige leather. It entered the care of its current caretaker around 2011 and has resided in a climate-controlled garage ever since. In late 2021, it was submitted to RM Auto Restoration for mechanical evaluation and refurbishment. The engine was rebuilt with new intake and exhaust valves and guides; new valve springs; new pistons and rings; and new gaskets and seals. Additional work included replacing the timing chain, oil pump assembly, distributor gears, connecting rod bearings, and crankshaft. A new battery was installed and the transmission was rebuilt with new gaskets and bearings.

Mercedes-Benz built 244 examples of the 300SL Roadster in 1962.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2022