To reinvigorate the 300 SL as production of the competition-bred Gullwing came to an end in 1957, and with input from New York importer Max Hoffman, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a beautiful Roadster successor. However, the model’s sporting roots meant its transformation from coupé to stunning convertible stretched far beyond simply removing a fixed roof.

The race-derived, lightweight, welded steel chassis architecture that originally required the fitment of vertically lifting doors had to be substantially reworked to house conventional doors featuring roll-down windows. In time for the Roadster entering production, a new rear axle was also devised to improve comfort and reduce the propensity for oversteer. Revised head and taillights updated the already-glamourous styling, while a smaller fuel tank created room for a more capacious boot. Combined with an output of 215 horsepower, these modifications underlined the Roadster’s credentials as a consummate open-top grand tourer.

Recorded on the accompanying copy of the factory data card, which is stamped for 4 June 1962, chassis number 198.042.10.003070 offered here was originally finished with White Grey (Weissgrau) paintwork. Significantly, it was paired with engine number 198.982.10.000025—the “982” code denoting the highly desirable alloy block. From a total of 1,858 Roadsters built, this car is one of just 182 examples produced for the 1962 model year.

The Mercedes-Benz was delivered new to Switzerland, where the car is believed to have remained until its documented history resumes with a change of ownership in 1990. At this point, the dashboard was noted to still be finished in its original colours. A subsequent owner of the 300 SL Roadster oversaw a €90,000 restoration and repaint between 1991 and 1996, with work carried out by Robert Bayer and invoices available to view on file. Photographs available to view on file show that the car had been changed to a pale blue over red colour combination, prior to the 300 SL Roadster being submitted to Garage Dupertuis in the Swiss town of Aigle for a restoration. This work, which reportedly cost 38,000 CHF in May 2005, included resurfacing the flywheel, repairing the pistons, adjusting the connecting rod bushings and main bearings, balancing the crankshaft and a new clutch, repairs to the valves and rocker arms, overhauling the fuel pumps and injectors, further to revitalising the braking and steering systems. In 2007, the car was sold to its next owner in Switzerland.

Sporting a black interior, chassis 198.042.10.003070 was sold via a French auction in July 2010. During subsequent ownership in the Belgian municipality of Uccle, the 300 SL Roadster was first presented to the workshop of Mercedes-Benz Classic of Feldbach, who performed €39,5000-worth of repairs, and later submitted to Kienle Automobiltechnik in Germany for restoration between 2014 and 2018—the process recorded in two accompanying binders.

Refinished in the striking colour of Anthracite Grey Metallic (DB172), complemented by ivory hide and a black soft top roof, the Mercedes-Benz has resided as the proud headline entry in The Willy Michiels Collection in Belgium since it was acquired in 2019. The car retains its matching-numbers gearbox, bodywork, rear axle, plus left and right kingpins. The engine comprises a factory-replacement alloy block, which is dated to October 1965 but it is unknown when it was installed. The cylinder head and steering box are known to be non-original components. Alongside the copy of the data card, it is also supplied with a rare matching-colour hardtop roof, owner’s manual, and 300 SL Roadster catalogue for 1961.

A highly sought-after alloy-block engine and disc brake example of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, this car retains its significant matching-numbers components and is offered with a hardtop roof. Chassis 198.042.10.003070 would make for a magnificent addition to any stable of classic and sporting automobiles.

Please note, most of the vehicles in The Willy Michiels Collection have been retained on static display for many years. As such, some cars and motorcycles will require mechanical servicing to be made roadworthy. As part of this estate sale, the vehicles are offered in their condition as found, and wherever possible RM Sotheby's encourages prospective buyers to inspect any lots prior to bidding. Please contact an RM Sotheby's Car Specialist for the condition of specific lots or with any further questions.