1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
HIGHLIGHTS
Late Production Roadster Featuring Alloy Block and Disc Brakes
One of the Final 39 Produced
Desirably Presented in Original Color Combination
Retains its Original Aluminum-Alloy Engine
Factory Hardtop, Luggage, and Tools
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis Number - 198.042.10.003219
Engine – 3.0L, Six Cylinder
Gearbox – 4 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - Please Inquire
OVERVIEW
Few automobiles occupy the same vaunted position in collector car history as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, and among those already exceptional cars, the very late-production 1963 examples stand in a class of their own. These final 209 examples of the type W198 line were fitted not only with the desirable disc brakes introduced in 1961, but also an aluminum engine block, reducing weight significantly.
According to its factory data card, chassis 198.042.10.003219 was dispatched on March 28, 1963, and is believed to be one of the final 39 300 SL Roadsters produced. Representing the ultimate evolution of the legendary W198 platform, it incorporates every meaningful engineering advancement Mercedes-Benz developed over six years of 300 SL Roadster production. The final alloy-block cars are widely regarded as the pinnacle of 300 SL development.
Most importantly, this Roadster retains its original factory aluminum-alloy engine block, a relative rarity for the model. While the gearbox and rear axle were replaced during the car's lifetime with correct factory components, the presence of its original alloy-block engine places chassis 3219 as one of the most desirable production 300 SL Roadsters available today.
Presented in its original factory color combination of DB 050 White over Red Leather, the car is further accompanied by its factory black removable hardtop, complete with a Mercedes-Benz-branded wooden shipping crate, tool kit, copies of the owner's manuals, and a copy of the factory data card.
While its earliest history is not documented, in 1985 the 300 SL was imported to Japan by Ryogi Okamoto. Chassis 3219 would later become part of several significant international collections, including ownership in Japan, Austria, Germany, Kuwait, and ultimately the United States, where it remains today.
Additional insight into the car's history has been provided to us by Hans Kliessel, owner of internationally renowned Mercedes-Benz 300 SL specialists HK-Engineering. During the 1990s, chassis 3219 underwent a comprehensive restoration in Germany under the care of noted Mercedes-Benz restorer Christian Hofmair, who oversaw the refurbishment of the body, paint, chrome, and interior. The mechanical restoration was entrusted to HK-Engineering, where the company's technicians rebuilt the car's original aluminum-alloy engine and reconditioned its mechanical systems, including the transmission and rear axle assemblies.
Following completion of the restoration, the Roadster was sold to Austria before returning to Germany, where it was acquired by Clemens Huck in Munich in 2010. Circa 2014, the car was exported to the United States, where it has remained since.
Significantly, period photographs supplied directly by HK-Engineering before export show the odometer reading 6,489 kilometers. Today, the car displays just 8,113 kilometers, indicating that it has traveled only 1,624 kilometers (approximately 1,010 miles) in the last decade. This remarkably limited use is immediately evident throughout the car, with the paint, brightwork, interior, chassis, and engine compartment continuing to exhibit a freshness and attention to detail that belies the age of its restoration.
Most recently, in July 2026, the Roadster was entrusted to noted Mercedes-Benz specialist Scott Grundfor, who performed an extensive inspection, servicing, and mechanical sorting to ensure the car performs to the standard expected of one of the world's finest collector automobiles. As a result, this exceptional 300 SL is not only beautifully presented but also thoroughly prepared for immediate enjoyment.
Mercedes-Benz built just 1,858 examples of the 300 SL Roadster between 1957 and 1963, but the final alloy-block, disc-brake cars have long been recognized as the ultimate production specification. Lighter, more refined, and considerably rarer than their earlier counterparts, they represent the culmination of continuous factory development and remain among the most sought-after postwar Mercedes-Benz automobiles ever built.
Whether destined for a distinguished collection, premier touring events, or concours competition, chassis 3219 presents an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire one of the final alloy-block 300 SL Roadsters produced. Retaining its original factory aluminum-alloy engine, finished in its elegant factory color combination, accompanied by its factory hardtop, and benefiting from recent servicing by one of America's foremost 300 SL specialists, this remarkable Roadster is ready to be enjoyed by its next caretaker.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 or Hans at +1-425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.
