1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
- Engine
- 3.0L SOHC inline-six, fuel-injected, 215 bhp (DIN) / 240 hp (SAE)
- Colour
- 'Fantasy Yellow' (DB653)
A 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster finished in the rare Fantasy Yellow (DB653), one of only five produced in this colour, with a black leather interior as originally delivered. Per factory build records, the engine was exchanged at the factory before delivery and that same unit remains installed today. The car was reportedly retained by the factory for promotional use before its first private sale in 1963, and passed through several American owners over subsequent decades. A comprehensive bare-metal restoration was completed shortly before the auction, returning the car to its original yellow exterior with a dark green interior and soft-top.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,250,000 – US$1,500,000
- 1961 → 1963Factory deliveryMercedes-Benz factory (retained for promotional use)partial documentation
Allegedly held by the factory after production for promotional purposes rather than being sold to a retail customer; not released for private sale until 1963.
- 1963 →Private saleDavid Jacksonpartial documentation
Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Fort Lauderdale, Florida; used the car across both residences for approximately nine years.
- 1975 → 1977Private saleJohn Walkerpartial documentation
Principal of a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Cincinnati, Ohio; owned the car for approximately two years.
- → 2013Private saleJack Hahnpartial documentation
Kept the car for roughly four decades; during his ownership the car was repainted Signal Red and fitted with European-specification headlights.
- → 2013Acquisition unknownJim Gusweilerpartial documentation
Ohio-based seller from whom the current owner purchased the car in 2013; tenure duration not stated.
- 2013 →Private saleCalifornia-based current ownerpartial documentation
Commissioned a full restoration by Legendary Classic Center in Costa Mesa, California, returning the car to its original Fantasy Yellow finish with a dark green interior and soft-top, and sourcing correct Rudge wheels.
- Date unknownPrivate saleDr. R.L. Dunworthpartial documentation
Resident of Huntington, West Virginia; held the car for roughly six years before selling on.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2014RestorationLegendary Classic Center
Comprehensive bare-metal restoration carried out after the current owner's purchase in 2013: bodywork stripped and refinished in original Fantasy Yellow, all chrome components re-finished, drivetrain fully rebuilt, new wiring loom installed, interior and soft-top redone in dark green, fresh rubber and seals fitted throughout, and correct Rudge wheels sourced and installed. No metalwork was required as the body was in sound condition beforehand.
Workshop located in Costa Mesa, California. Restoration accompanied by photographs and receipts. Car also supplied with books, tools, and matching luggage.
- —ModificationMercedes-Benz factory
Engine was exchanged at the factory prior to the car's initial delivery; the replacement unit (number 002839) has remained in the car ever since.
Documented on the factory build sheet.
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