The competition roots of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing meant its transformation from a sporting coupé to a beautiful 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 in 1957, 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.

A total of 1,858 examples were completed. Among them, chassis number 198.042.10.003170 offered here. One of only 91 cars born in 1963—with just three units assigned to 1964—it is notably among the final 210 built. Accordingly, this 300 SL Roadster left the Sindelfingen works in Germany configured in the most desirable form: equipped with the aluminium engine block and four-wheel disc brakes. A copy of the factory data card (available to view on file) also records that this European-specification example was finished with White Grey paint over a black leather interior and fitted with a black convertible roof, in addition to being supplied with a removable hardtop.

While the early history of chassis 003170 is not fully known, The Roadster Register, compiled by the Gull Wing Group, notes that this car resided in the United States as part of a private collection in Las Vegas between 1975 and 1989. During this spell, the car was submitted to model expert Gullwing Service Company in Massachusetts for restoration. As part of that process, the exterior colour was changed before the Mercedes-Benz was next purchased by serial 300 SL owner Steve Barnes of Boston. His custodianship was only brief, for in 1990 the car was sold at auction to former Microsoft executive Mr Jon A Shirley and formed part of the renowned collector’s esteemed stable in Medina, Washington.

While in Mr Shirley’s care for a quarter of a century, the 300 SL Roadster was maintained by noted workshop Dennison International in Puyallup. Presented in red over a tan interior and fitted with a tan soft top roof, the car was subsequently purchased by a new owner in August 2014. The new keeper in California commissioned chassis 003170 to be returned to its factory-correct colour combination of White Grey over Black hide prior to selling it to the consigning owner in February 2018.

Bringing an end to the car’s time in America, the vendor had it exported to Germany. There, it was sent to 300 SL specialist HK Engineering of Polling, Bavaria for servicing and maintenance and was registered for use on the road. More recently, in 2024 chassis 003170 was fitted with a new timing chain and the rear axle was refurbished.

Since casting issues meant some late-production 300 SL Roadsters returned to the factory in the 1960s to have replacement engines fitted under warranty, it is believed that as few as 100 examples retain their original alloy block today. Chassis 003170 is among those coveted cars. The engine is mated to what is understood to be a correct-type replacement gearbox. It is also accompanied by a black hardtop roof, a jack, tool kit, and spare wheel, plus owner’s manual. Meanwhile, an extensive history file includes a copy of the factory data card.

Presented in its factory-correct colours, this highly desirable alloy block and disc brake edition of the magnificent 300 SL Roadster would make for a sterling addition to any car collection.