In 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster marked the final year of production for a vehicle that had already cemented its place in automotive history. Born from the iconic 300 SL Gullwing coupe, the Roadster, introduced at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, represented a shift towards luxury and refinement while maintaining the high-performance legacy of its predecessor. This evolution underscored Mercedes-Benz’s growing emphasis on luxury vehicles, a trend that would define the brand in the decades to come. The 1963 Benz 300 SL Roadster stands as a testament to this philosophy, blending exhilarating performance with unparalleled elegance.
While the Gullwing was undeniably a performance marvel, the 300 SL Roadster took those capabilities and enhanced them. The updated six-cylinder engine benefited from the competition camshaft initially developed for the NSL racing coupes. This upgrade provided a significant 20 horsepower boost, further amplifying the car’s already impressive performance. Handling was also refined, thanks to a revised rear suspension incorporating a lower axle pivot-point. This modification effectively minimized oversteer, resulting in more predictable and responsive driving dynamics. Despite the additional weight from chassis reinforcements necessary for an open-top design, the 1963 Benz 300 SL Roadster remained every bit the performance machine that the Gullwing had established itself to be.
However, the overwhelming impression of the 300 SL Roadster, particularly by 1963, was one of sophisticated luxury. The convertible top itself addressed a significant comfort issue present in the Gullwing coupe: the notoriously hot cabin. The open-top design of the Roadster eliminated this problem entirely, offering a far more pleasant driving experience, especially in warmer climates. Furthermore, the redesigned tubular frame of the Roadster brought about a welcome improvement in accessibility. Lower door sills made ingress and egress significantly easier compared to the Gullwing, which was known for its challenging access due to its high sills and upward-opening doors. This focus on user-friendliness, combined with the inherent glamour of a convertible, solidified the 1963 Benz 300 SL Roadster’s position as a luxury icon.
In almost every practical aspect, especially for road use, the 1963 Benz 300 SL Roadster represented an advancement over the Gullwing. This culmination of engineering and design refinement has resulted in the Roadster becoming one of Mercedes-Benz’s most highly sought-after classic models. It is a frequent and celebrated participant in prestigious concours d’elegance events and vintage rallies worldwide, admired for its beauty, performance, and historical significance.
Among the most desirable examples of the 300 SL Roadster are the late-production models, such as those from 1963, which were equipped with both disc brakes and a lighter, more efficient alloy engine block. Only a limited number, just 210, of these enhanced models were ever produced, making them exceptionally rare and valuable. One such example, presented in the highly coveted Black (DB 040) exterior with a Black leather (953) interior – often referred to as “triple black” – exemplifies the ultimate desirability of these late-production cars.
This particular 1963 Benz 300 SL Roadster boasts a notable ownership history, including enthusiasts like Jack Latzar of New Jersey, and later Frank Gerbode and Bruce Ristow in San Francisco. After residing with Gerald Barnes in Anaheim and a collector in Pennsylvania, it eventually found its way to its current owner in the Southwest, joining a collection of other distinguished Mercedes-Benz vehicles. During its current ownership, the car underwent an extensive restoration by a respected West Coast specialist. This meticulous restoration included a refinish in the original Black color, new carpets, and a comprehensive detailing of the engine compartment to ensure factory-correct finishes throughout.
Crucially, key components like the serial number plate and the radiator plate appear to be original to the car. While the car retains a correct and highly desirable aluminum engine block, it is believed to be a factory replacement. This replacement block, however, is correctly fitted with a number plate bearing the original engine number (198.982.10.000070), although the block itself remains unstamped – a detail consistent with factory replacement practices of the era. Historical records from the 1991 Gull Wing Group Registry indicate a mileage of 33,000 miles, and at the time of its cataloging more recently, the odometer read 37,314 miles. This low mileage figure supports the narrative of careful ownership and preservation throughout the car’s life. Inside the cabin, a correct Becker Mexico radio is present, and the trunk houses a beautifully crafted factory-style set of fitted luggage, along with a tool kit and roll, further enhancing its authenticity and collector appeal.
The 1963 Benz 300 SL Roadster, especially in its most desirable alloy-block, disc-brake configuration and finished in its original “triple black,” undoubtedly stands as one of the most sought-after classic Mercedes-Benz models. It represents not just the end of an era for the 300 SL, but also the zenith of luxury and performance in a classic sports car, making it a timeless icon for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
