Description
We are delighted to be able to offer what has to be one of the most important Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadsters currently available anywhere in the world .
We introduce to you Chassis Number #3257 a 300 SL with a beautifully documented ownership and history from new and most importantly the penultimate 300SL Roadster ever built.
The final production of the legendary 300SL Roadster happened in January and February of 1963. Only twenty-six cars would be built in those two months, with the last six built in February.
This car, chassis #3257, was completed on February 7th 1963, the day before the factory closed the production line and the curtain came down on the 300 SL Roadster, making it the penultimate 300SL built.
As this is the second-to-last 300SL ever made, it benefits from every improvement made to the 300SL platform, with Factory disc brakes and the aluminium engine block only fitted in the last 210 cars making this model the ultimate specification car to own.
This Roadster was delivered new from the factory in white over a red leather interior which it still retains today. Its early history is immensely interesting: Fresh from the factory, it was sent to a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Salzburg, Austria, but research indicates that the 300SL did not sell on its initial outing and was returned to the factory for a series of upgrades. The result of this return to Stuttgart was a second build sheet for chassis #3257, adorned with more options than before. Obviously aimed for the U. S. market, the car was fitted with sealed beam headlights, optioned with a factory hardtop, a U. S.-spec Becker Grand Prix radio, white wall tires, and gauges in English. The 300SL wasn’t converted completely from Euro spec however, as it retained its 3. 64 rear differential and did not have any rear DOT reflectors. The upgrades did their magic, and #3257 was sold on February 14th 1964, believed to be one of only three new 300SLs sold in 1964.
The 300 SL has an illustrious life story and has spent the majority of its 60 years in the USA with one family having owned the car for some 27 years between father and son, amongst other notable and documented owners before being sold and coming to the UK in 2021.
Now in our possession the car has been sent to marque specialist and 300SL Oracle, Martin Cushway Engineering for him to personally inspect every aspect of the car and carry out a full service and fresh set up of the car.
This 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster represents a rare opportunity for its new owner. Hosting every single Factory upgrade that was ever fitted to a 300SL and the second-to-last 300SL EVER built, the car is a perfect blend of heritage, performance and rarity. With a documented ownership history that illustrates the undying care given to this 300SL Roadster, this is surely one of the finest examples available and certainly one of the most memorable.
For the complete history and life story of this very special 300 SL Roadster please contact the TOP 555 Sales Team for further details
