Following the highly successful production run of the 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, Mercedes-Benz hand built 1,858 examples of the 300 SL Roadster between 1957 and 1963 at their Sindelfingen plant in Germany. The $10,950 price tag for the Roadster represented a price increase over the Coupe but offered greater practicality and usability while retaining the outstanding driving dynamics for which the 300 SL had become known.

Mercedes-Benz carried out a host of mechanical advancements and stylistic revisions for the Roadster, including a new rear-axle design for more predictable handling and a modified space-frame chassis that allowed for conventionally hinged doors. Over the Gullwing, the Roadster offered easier ingress, roll-up windows, and a useful trunk. It also had an easy-to-use soft top, which allowed passengers to hear its sonorous inline six-cylinder engine even more clearly, only heightening the thrill of high-performance, open-air motoring. These features together resulted in an automobile that many believe is the most well-rounded and practical of all classic sports cars.

This remarkable, highly preserved example was sold new by Geller Motors Mercedes-Benz of Akron, Ohio, and delivered on April 19, 1962, to local resident Charles G. Herberich, as documented by fantastic early records on file. It was finished in the rare and desirable colors of Black (DB 040) over Red (1079) upholstery with a Black (872) soft top, fitted with a Varta battery, sealed-beam headlights and Continental tires. It was subsequently sold in 1966 to fellow Akron resident John J. Hillegas and it remained in his possession until it was acquired by the consignor earlier this year.

The Roadster today remains in lovely, patinated, garage-find condition. In preparation for auction, the consignor sent the Roadster to the respected SL specialists at Scott Grundfor Company in Arroyo Grande, California. While in their care, the Mercedes-Benz was returned to running condition, receiving work to its braking and fuel systems. Photos were also taken of the stamped numbers found on the body, chassis, engine, gearbox, differential, steering box, and front spindles, all of which are on file and match the accompanying Mercedes-Benz factory build record.

The consignor, who has owned many 300 SL Roadsters and Gullwings, believes the Roadster retains nearly all of its original paint. This was corroborated by the specialists at Scott Grundfor Company, who took paint meter measurements, all of which read between 2 and 4 mils, except for the driver’s door, which was thicker and is likely repainted. The SL also features a wonderfully patinated Red leather interior which the consignor also believes to be nearly all original. Commensurate with its limited ownership since new and mileage of under 45,000 at the time of cataloguing, this Mercedes-Benz is presented with original owner’s and radio manuals, a factory brochure, its stamped service book, 1966 title, and even battery warranty paperwork. Other fascinating early documentation accompanies the sale, along with a tool kit and jack.

Finding any late-production Roadster such as this in the factory colors of Black over Red is incredibly difficult, but finding an example with just two private owners from new, in highly preserved condition, with wonderful, early literature and paperwork is next to impossible. Its history is well documented, having been maintained in the care of the second owner from 1966 to 2024 and it has benefited from recent mechanical attention by one of the country’s top 300 SL specialists. Significantly, this 300 SL also retains its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, rear end, and more, making it a true blue-chip automobile. Astute collectors of Mercedes-Benz are encouraged to look closely at this fascinating and utterly unique 300 SL Roadster.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1962.