According to a copy of the factory data card for this car, this 300SL was dispatched from the factory on July 26, 1961. The first owners enjoyed the car in both California and Nevada and subsequently underwent a sensitive restoration in the 2010s. Under prior ownership spanning 25 years, believed to have been with the President of the Gull Wing Group, this 300SL is not only a matching numbers example inclusive of the engine, head, and transmission, the front suspension spindles also match the factory data card. Additionally, the engine stamping, engine tag, and the stampings on the cylinder head confirm it is original to the car including the matching compression ratios on the round pad of the engine block and cylinder head. In addition to the documentation supporting the original components of this car, the original seat bottoms display the factory chalk mark numbers on the bottom of the seat panels indicating “188” matching the last three digits of the chassis number. In preparation for consignment, the compression was tested with the engine warmed for two minutes and the crank spun with the throttle open for roughly a dozen cycles on each cylinder. Numbers recorded front to back 1 – 168, 2 – 170, 3 – 175, 4 – 175, 5 – 168, 6 – 168. Today this rare and beautiful 300SL roadster presents as an excellent lightly mellowed restoration still displaying delightful cosmetics and exceptional mechanical continuity inclusive of the original drivetrain and numerous other original components. The restoration was performed to a very high level approximately fifteen years ago, but the quality of the materials and finishes continue to convey excellence in fit and finish. The white finish remains glossy and smooth with a very attractive presentation, showing only minor signs of use, but otherwise very still remaining quite nice overall. The doors, hood, and trunk gaps are excellent including supple rubber trim and weather stripping. The hood and trunk open and shut smoothly and the doors have properly finished jambs, also opening and shutting tightly with notable German precision. The exterior emblems and lenses are also in excellent condition, while the chrome shows only minor areas of light surface hazing. The chrome plated wheels and wheel covers are beautifully finished with matching white painted wheel covers contrasting the sporty black-wall tires, canvas top, and interior. The low fender line, sculpted speed blisters, and race-inspired side vents deliver a powerful presence to the low-profile design. The interior has a very handsome and settled presence which speaks well of the longevity of the finishes and quality of materials used during the restoration. The beautifully contoured leather surfaces have been properly stitched and pleated with both the leather and distinctive Mercedes-Benz perforated seat insert material now gently relaxed since the restoration was completed. The seats have a soft presence to them, still firm in support, but welcomingly contoured through gentle use. The workmanship throughout the interior is of high quality with excellent feel to the beautifully fitted leather topped dash, pleated door panels, and braided leather door pull. The black leather finishes are consistent throughout offering a classic contrast to the white exterior. The black canvas top smoothly disappears into the hinged rear deck and latches to the windshield header with tight closure including a clear, taut rear plastic window. The dashboard is beautiful in all respects with vivid dial faces, excellent numeric indication, clear lenses, and finely restored details including the colorful center gauge cluster and functional illuminated panel switches below the main dash area. The various detailed interior levers, trim, and knobs are all correctly finished including the light ivory steering wheel which matches the gear shift knob and horn center emblem. A pair of small diameter matching dial VDO gauges are mounted under the dashboard knee pad displaying water temperature and oil temperature. Inside the trunk, the condition is consistent with materials used in the interior including a leather center strap and proper factory finishes for the underside and inner side panels. The trunk is finished with low pile black carpet, houses a full sized spare tire on a steel rim, and includes jacking tools. The overall visual impact of the interior is quite nice, exhibiting uniform finishes clearly enjoyed since restoration but lovingly and professionally tended to as in keeping with the legacy and significance of the 300SL series. Under the hood, the correctly finished fuel-injected 300SL engine is visually captivating in every respect. The sculpted artistry and mechanical excellence blend together in this clean and well-presented example reflective of the quality of the restoration performed some years ago. All chassis plates, engine numbers, body number and casting details are correct and original to this car. Engine and engine compartment features are correctly finished including proper fittings, correct hoses and lines, a correct washer fluid bag, the correct air cleaner housing and hardware, and engine decals, some of which have lightly aged over time. Although some of the engine compartment finishes show evidence of use since the restoration was completed, the overall presentation is very satisfying, unified, and warmly reflective of a car that can be driven without worrying over the perfection associated with concours-ready jewelry. The car starts on command, submits patiently to proper warm up procedure, and offers the driver a chance to engage in the wonderful engine note on idle while warming. The engine is well tuned with no fuel-injection issues delivering crisp throttle response when blipping the accelerator. The gearbox engages easily in all gears offering smooth shifts through the properly sprung clutch. Suspension is quite pleasant on the highway with light steering, great passing power, and symmetrical braking from the all-wheel disc brakes even when coming down from highway speeds. The chassis and underbody components are in very good condition and while not concours level, surely as clean and correct as one would ever want from a car that can be confidently driven. There are no significant issues and no visible signs of structural compromise to the chassis or main suspension attachment points. The integrity of the restoration from top to bottom is reflected diligently in the underside with modestly driven miles reflective of the passion prior owners have enjoyed at the wheel. One of the most dramatic and innovative sports cars available when new, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was a performance leader in all respects, brimming with innovative features, many of which would become hallmarks of modern engineering. Today these fast, beautiful, and exclusive cars continue to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts for their unforgettable beauty, precision build quality, and remarkably comfortable driving manners. Indeed, top collections throughout the world often not only feature a 300SL roadster, it is often the “Go-To” car for events, tours, or Mercedes-Benz club events. Offering matching numbers, original components, and mechanical readiness, this beautifully finished 300SL is poised to be the hit of any premier vintage road tour or Mercedes-Benz event and guaranteed to delight anyone fortunate to be behind the wheel of the legendary 300SL Roadster.