1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
- Engine
- 2,996cc SOHC inline-six, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, 225 bhp at 5,800 rpm
- Colour
- Anthracite Metallic
The 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (chassis 002689) is a numbers-matching example finished in Anthracite Metallic over black leather, with its original inline-six engine confirmed by Gullwing Group records. Long associated with the West Coast of the United States, it was comprehensively restored by marque specialist Scott Melnik between 1997 and 1999 and subsequently entered a prominent private collection. Interior and hood have since been retrimmed, maintaining a high presentation standard throughout.
Ownership
- 2023-09-29Auction saleSold US$1,170,000
- Date unknownWest Coast / Portland Oregon and Southern California owner(s)partial documentation
Vehicle spent an extended period on the US West Coast, with time in both Portland, Oregon and Southern California. Specific owner identity not given.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownPrevious steward during late-1990s restorationpartial documentation
Commissioned a thorough restoration by marque specialist Scott Melnik in Calabasas, California, completed between 1997 and 1999; car participated in at least one Southern California concours event during this tenure.
- Date unknownPrivate saleJames Messengerpartial documentation
Acquired the car through noted 300SL specialist Alex Finnegan; the vehicle became part of the James Messenger Collection.
Competition
- 19991999 Classics for Charity Concours
Concours appearance at Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills following completion of the Melnik restoration; no placing stated.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1999RestorationScott Melnik Auto Engineering
Full high-standard restoration carried out over approximately two years, including a bare-metal respray in Anthracite Metallic, brightwork and chrome-wheel refurbishment, and concours-level engine detailing with authentic hardware and labels.
Workshop located in Calabasas, California; Scott Melnik described as a marque specialist. Work spanned 1997 to 1999.
- —Bodywork
Convertible top and interior retrimmed in black leather, with charcoal square-weave carpeting added, at a date after the primary restoration.
Described as more recent work relative to the 1997–1999 restoration.
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