Few sports cars embody the perfect union of elegance, performance, and engineering like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Introduced in 1957 as the successor to the Gullwing coupe, the 300 SL Roadster offered refined drivability while retaining the competition-bred performance that defined Mercedes-Benz in the postwar era. This 1962 example, chassis 003043, represents one of the final cast iron block Roadsters built before Mercedes transitioned to aluminum engines. It is also among the earlier cars equipped with desirable four-wheel disc brakes, offering a unique blend of late-production refinement and robust mechanical character.

Originally finished in Fire Engine Red over black leather, the car is documented by its original factory data card and listed in the Gullwing Group Registry. By the mid-1970s it was in Florida, where it was later repainted silver. In the 1980s it passed to John Boozer of Alabama, and by the early 2000s it had migrated to the Northeast. A full restoration was undertaken in the late 2000s, with a color change to rich navy blue and a beige leather interior, bringing a sophisticated new look to this automotive icon.

Tom Maoli acquired the car in the early 2010s, keeping it stored in a climate-controlled facility as part of his personal collection for nearly a decade. Though driven sparingly, the car was meticulously maintained and received a full mechanical refresh by RM Auto Restoration in 2021, including a complete engine rebuild with new pistons, valves, and timing components. The transmission and differential were also rebuilt, and key components such as the oil pump, distributor gears, and battery were replaced. Mechanically, the car remains remarkably original, with matching numbers for the engine, gearbox, front spindles, rear axle, and body.

In 2021, the car was sold, but Maoli found himself missing it more than expected. In 2024, he reacquired the Roadster, bringing it back into his collection where it continues to be both cherished and maintained. It remains in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition, and thanks to its extended period of private ownership, has remained largely unknown to the broader 300 SL community - making it an exciting and fresh addition to any show field or enthusiast event.

With its handsome presentation, rare mechanical configuration, and strong documentation, this 300 SL Roadster is a fitting representative of the model’s enduring legacy. Whether admired for its aesthetic grace or driven for its precision performance, it stands as a high-water mark of German postwar craftsmanship.