Two unique Swedish 300SL at Auction 7 July (Paris)

[mbzse]

Two 300SL cars; one Gullwing and one Roadster (late type) were owned by a somewhat eccentric Gentleman here in Stockholm.
The Roadster was never really even run in. As he passed away without heirs; the cars are now being sold.
 From the Auction presentation of this 300SL Roadster:
"From a total production of 1858 Mercedes Benz 300 SL roadsters between 1957 and the last three that were built in 1964, this example is one of the 3rd and last series, the most desirable final version, one of 210 fitted with disc brakes and aluminium engine block, and the 11th last built.
Built in 1963, this 300 SL roadster comes to the sale this year, having been driven just 1 372 km since leaving the factory and moreover, it is a one-owner car.
A once in a lifetime opportunity"
https://www.artcurial.com/en/lot-1963-mercedes-benz-300-sl-roadster-no-reserve-3359-39

[mclewis]

It is curious that the roadster has had a respray since it has only been driven 1,372 km, and otherwise, according to the auction description, looks almost untouched.

[mbzse]

It is curious that the roadster has had a respray since it has only been driven 1,372 km

Yes. somewhat curious... I wrote eccentric, right...?
There was initially some person close to the owner that had opinions about the body colour; and he changed the colour of the car to suit

[mclewis]

Yes, a bit extravagant to repaint an essentially new car in a different color if one did not like, or grew weary of, the original color, but the catalogue indicates that the car originally was white with black ("The period warranty booklet confirms that it was delivered in white with black hardtop."), and so to repaint with the same colors, if the original paint was not damaged, is quite eccentric.

[Jonny B]

But they forgot to paint the hubcaps. Should either be white or black, depending on who you speak with. As an aside, I like the 300 SL roadster with the hubcaps painted to match the body color.

In any case, an awesome vehicle.

[mbzse]

.../...repaint an essentially new car in a different color if one did not like, or grew weary of, the original color../...

That is just what the owner did. This 300SL Roadster was originally all black DB040 from factory: it was repainted the same DB158 Weissgrau as the Gullwing (in order for the two cars to match as a pair). HardTop remained in the black DB 040.
Hammer price at the auction in Paris yesterday for this SL was some 3 143 400 Euros [$3 709 212]
(includes auctionhouse fee).
See web: https://classic-car-auctions.info/european/2018-artcurial-le-mans-classic-sale-auction-results/
If buyer resides outside of EU VAT must be added (18% or so)

GW ended up at 1 013 200 Euros (fee included)

[mclewis]

That is strong money for the roadster.

[Dash808]

That is strong money for the roadster.

Maybe that will persuade Hagerty to rethink their 250sl valuation