1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (alloy-block, disc-brake)
- Engine
- 3.0L inline-six, aluminum block, type 198.982
- Colour
- Silver Grey Metallic (DB 180); originally 'Dunkelrot Metallic' dark red
A 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis 003099, representing the model's most advanced production form with its aluminium-block straight-six engine and disc brakes. Originally finished in the unique DB 571 Dunkelrot Metallic — believed to be the only 300 SL so painted — the car was built for the European market in July 1962 and passed through a short chain of documented Swiss and German ownership over nearly six decades before moving to the United States in 2021. A comprehensive restoration was carried out in the late 1990s by Kienle Automobiltechnik near Stuttgart, and the car retains its matching-numbers alloy engine.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,750,000 – US$2,250,000
- 1962 → 1982Factory deliveryJosef Wernlefull documentation
Swiss furniture manufacturer who received the car new and held it for two decades. Original Swiss title is among the surviving documentation.
- 1982 → 1992Private salePeter Kleinpartial documentation
Prominent collector based in Cologne who owned the car for roughly ten years before passing it to another German enthusiast.
- 1992 → 2021Private saleGerman collectorfull documentation
Unnamed German enthusiast who stewarded the car for nearly three decades; commissioned a thorough restoration by Kienle Automobiltechnik near Stuttgart in the late 1990s, including a full engine rebuild, bare-metal repaint in Silver Grey Metallic, and red leather interior retrim.
- 2021 →Private saleCalifornia-based enthusiastpartial documentation
Current consignor imported the car to the United States in early 2021 and engaged Mercedes-Benz specialist Scott Grundfor for upkeep and event preparation.
Competition
- 2023Colorado Grand2023 Colorado Grand
Car completed the touring event without issue under the current owner's care.
- 2024Colorado Grand2024 Colorado Grand
Second consecutive Colorado Grand appearance; car described as performing flawlessly.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Bodywork
Exterior repainted from original Dunkelrot Metallic to DB 180 Silver Grey Metallic; interior retrimmed in black leather at some point prior to the German collector's acquisition in 1992.
Exact date unknown; the work had been carried out before the car changed hands in 1992.
- —RestorationKienle Automobiltechnik
Comprehensive ground-up restoration encompassing a full rebuild of the original aluminium-block engine, refurbishment of all drivetrain and chassis components, bare-metal repaint in DB 180 Silver Grey Metallic, reupholstery in period-correct Roser 1079 red leather with matching carpeting, re-plating of brightwork, and fitting of a new black soft-top.
Work commissioned by the long-term German owner in the late 1990s; Kienle is located near Stuttgart.
- —ModificationKienle Automobiltechnik
Several touring-oriented upgrades added over the two decades following the restoration: supplementary engine cooling fan, higher-output headlamp bulbs, and hazard lighting.
Upgrades installed incrementally during ongoing maintenance by Kienle after the principal restoration was completed.
- —ServiceScott Grundfor
Ongoing maintenance and event preparation carried out under the current owner, including integration of a Bluetooth module concealed within the original radio housing.
Work undertaken after the car's importation to the United States in early 2021.
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