Hello Jonny,
I go back a little farther than many of you guys. In 1973 I bought a used 1963 300-SL roadster from the original owner. These late versions had an aluminum engine block and disc brakes. The car was red on red had the optional hardtop, Bercker Mexico Radio, etc. The cost was $4,700.00 US dollars! I was a student at the time and used a ninety day note to buy the car. (Very memorable ninety days). After about eighty-five days I sold the car and made a little profit. In later years (1976) I bought a 57 300-SL in lesser condition to restore $2900 with a bad engine. I restored this car somewhat and had it for some years. I remember taking the car on a 100 mile road trip in a light rain. With the hardtop on the windshield wipers were not used. At 75mph the car was so aerodynamic the airflow wisked the rain drops over the car never touching the windscreen.
As Dan has described, these cars ovewhelm the senses with mechanical music, purposeful ride, beautiful form and raw power.
Years later I was treated to a few laps around the Mid Ohio Racecourse in a 300 SL Gulwing driven by Roberta Yakel, who held the women's land speed class record at Bonneville, in the very same Gulwing.
Although these cars are legends and engineering masterpieces they cannot be practically driven these days in most cases. The availability of parts and their extreme expense discourages casual driving.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
