Back in 2011, this Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster didn’t start when it was supposed to arrive at the podium to recieve an award. I’d forgotten about this until Nick reminded me of it upon seeing it in Maryland at the end of September. Looking clean as ever, this 300SL is even more special than it normally should be. It is, in fact, one of the last crop of first-generation Mercedes SLs to roll off the line. According to the official record, this car was made on the very last day of production and is one of the last six 300SLs made. At this point, Mercedes-Benz was desperate to clear out the lots of this outdated model (at the time) in favor of the new Pagoda series. Its interior is completely original, as are the mechanical components. The paint is new after a fender-bender damaged the rear of the car. Other than that, though, the car’s original. The white paint looked beautiful against the clear Maryland sky, and the red interior, combined with this car’s optional hardtop, looked very professional. All of the original paperwork and luggage was on display too–even the toolkit was there. This is among the most complete of any 300SL I have seen at a show, and I was elated to have seen it at the St. Michael’s Concours this fall. Enjoy the photos.
Mind Over Motor 
I know this car very well because I have owned it for 20 years. It was completed on 2/4/63 & was 5th from end of 300SL production. Over last few years of production, cars were produced at rate of 1 per workday. 26 were completed in ’63. 1st week of 2/63 was final week of production & chassis #’s 3253-3258 were last of the breed. This is #3254. Shown here with its original seat belts, 7.0 X 15 Continental WW tires, factory luggage & factory luggage rack, Becker Grand Radio, Reims Short Wave, and delivery paperwork, it was an 18 K mile all original RO when purchased by me in ’97. Many, many trophies over the years from ’98-’15. I have added 15K miles over 20 years. Have 2nd set of ’63 wheels with “Road” tires. Membership in Gull Wing Group has made Roadster ownership, very special. Was bought new in Andorra via MB European Delivery Program in late ’63 & used to tour Europe for 6months between 8/63 and 2/64.Did not start at Pebble Beach in ’11 when judge forgot to turn off radio. Spectators pushed me to a jump start, and I “reached the 18th at Pebble Beach with my driver” to pick up my favorite all time trophy. Later won here in 9/13. Saw a 300SL RO for 1st time in ’57 as a1st grader. finally got one in ’87. What a 30 year ride!
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