1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
- Engine
- Fuel-injected 3.0L inline-six with competition camshaft
- Colour
- Medium blue ('DB 350')
A 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, originally delivered on 18 July 1960 to a Panamanian distributor and built to American specification. After passing through several documented owners in California, the car received a comprehensive restoration encompassing full mechanical rebuilding and concours-quality cosmetic work. Finished in Medium Blue with a matching hardtop and beige interior, it has since claimed Best in Class honours at three California concours events.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,375,000
- 1960-07-18 →Factory deliveryPanama distributorfull documentation
Original delivery recipient per the Mercedes-Benz data card; car was configured to American specifications with English instruments and sealed-beam headlights.
- 1974 →Acquisition unknownFred Di Giratopartial documentation
Recorded in the Gull Wing Group Roadster Registry as owner in 1974.
- 1975 →Acquisition unknownRonald Kelloggpartial documentation
Listed in the Gull Wing Group Roadster Registry; based in Whittier, California.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJohn Sorrellpartial documentation
Owner based in Santa Barbara; acquired the car at some point after Kellogg.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent ownerfull documentation
Acquired roughly a decade before cataloguing and commissioned a comprehensive restoration by Classic European and Hjeltness Restoration, with mechanical work by Steve Marx.
Competition
- 2009Los Angeles Concours d'EleganceBest in Class
- 2013Palos Verdes ConcoursBest in Class
- 2016Palos Verdes ConcoursBest in Class
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationClassic European
Comprehensive restoration carried out by Classic European of Vista, California, covering full cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment to concours standard.
Work undertaken during the current owner's tenure; thorough documentation including parts receipts was retained.
- —MechanicalSteve Marx
Extensive mechanical overhaul encompassing the brakes, valvetrain, cooling system, gearbox, rear axle, and clutch, carried out by Gull Wing Group member Steve Marx.
Performed as part of the broader restoration; engine and gearbox numbers confirmed to match the Mercedes-Benz data card.
- —BodyworkHjeltness Restoration
Cosmetic work by Hjeltness Restoration including soft-top refitting, panel-gap correction, and new show-quality chrome plating. Euro-specification headlights were also fitted.
Workshop located in Escondido, California; finish is Medium Blue (DB 350) with a correct beige interior.
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