Chassis no. 198.042.7500569 has enjoyed a somewhat colourful past, not only because tragic Hollywood sweetheart Natalie Wood bought it brand-new at age 19, but also due to the colour she subsequently painted it. Originally delivered in the familiar shade of Silver Blue, Wood soon had it repainted bright pink – a colour change which has since been reversed by the current owner. The original red interior remains, as do the ultra-desirable, factory-fitted Rudge wheels which were only specified on 25 cars.

Attesting to the quality of the restoration conducted by marque specialist Rudi Koniczek in 2000, the car has won numerous accolades since, including a Best in Class award at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours. That same year, it also returned to Hollywood to take part in the ‘SL @ Hollywood - Celebrating 60 Years of a Living Legend’ exhibition at the Warner Brothers studio in Los Angeles.

It might not be quite as attention-grabbing today as it was in its ‘pink days’ but, according to Gord Duff, Car Specialist at RM, “This particular car’s originality, rare Rudge wheels, celebrity provenance, touring capabilities, and Amelia Island Concours-awarded restoration make it arguably one of the finest 300 SL Roadsters available today.” Estimate: $1.4m – $1.75m.

Photos: RM Auctions