As the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe exited stage left in 1957, its successor, the 300 SL Roadster, debuted at that year’s Geneva Auto Salon. The conversion of the 300 SL to an open car meant redesigning the chassis, which was strengthened significantly to compensate for the loss of the roof structure.

Originally specified in the special-order color combination of Fantasy Yellow (DB 653) over black leather (1090) with black soft-top (872) and a black hardtop (DB 040) trimmed with Crème headliner (E4), this very late drum-brake Roadster was also equipped with English instrumentation, a 3.64 rear axle, 15-inch Kronprinz wheels, chrome disc wheel covers, and quality checks to ensure that it was “suitable for exhibition.”

As indicated by its accompanying factory data card, this 300 SL Roadster, chassis 2756, was originally planned in late 1960 as a Standwagen for the Mercedes-Benz exhibition at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show; this is ascertained by the fact that its commission number 05712525 (1960, Switzerland, #2525), and extremely unique color combination were subsequently reassigned to chassis 2786—the disc-brake Roadster which Mercedes-Benz would ultimately use to debut that mechanical upgrade to the public.

With the car’s restoration completed in 2015, the excellent quality has not diminished and remains plainly evident, and detailing has been very well-preserved throughout. As offered today, chassis 2756 is accompanied by the factory data card copy, and also by a matching dark green luggage set, tools, manuals, hundreds of restoration images, and its original hardtop.

Photos Courtesy of https://rmsothebys.com