1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

Estimated at $1.7 million to $2 million.

Both the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe and its 300 SL convertible sibling have rocketed to superstar status in the past decade, with surviving examples regularly trading hands for more than $1 million. But while they’re hardly a rare sight at auctions, this 300 SL—one of four that RM Sotheby’s is selling from the same private collection—is worth a double take. To begin with, it comes from the last year of production and, what’s more, features the extremely rare combination of an alloy block engine and disc brakes.

“It’s the ultimate spec for a 300 SL, and there aren’t many out there,” says Duff. “Add in the fact that it’s an original black-on-black car with a high-quality restoration and you’ve got a really unique roadster.” Duff adds that the car’s appeal for a buyer lies not only in the alloy block and disc brakes, which boost value by 20 percent, but also that the automobile does not need a top-notch restoration, which typically costs around $600,000 for a 300 SL.

01

This Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is one of four that RM Sotheby’s is selling from the same private collection.

Photo by Darin Schnabel ©2018 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's.