Rusty 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Barn Find Sells For Staggering $800,000
There are crazy undertakings and then there’s this rusted-out 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster barn find that recently sold for an astonishing $800,000 by the folks at Beverly Hills Car Club. The buyer’s identity wasn’t disclosed, but it’s safe to say that whoever it is, they’re in for quite a restoration project.
The car was originally unearthed from a barn in an undisclosed location and is apparently one of just 256 ever built and one of just 101 produced in its light-blue color, which is code #354. The sale included documentation dating back to the car’s original bill of sale, the owner’s manual, and even a full stack of service records dating up to 1968 before it was reportedly shoved in a barn. According to its paperwork, it initially sold to its first owner on June 20, 1961.
Reportedly stored in a junk-filled garage which no doubt had several leaks, the Mercedes-Benz has lived a hard life. It’s difficult to tell the car originally wore a nice blue with a matching blue interior. Only 75,629 miles show on the odometer, but you be the judge of whether that’s accurate or not.
Mercedes-Benz only made the Roadster version of the 300SL until 1963, with production hitting a total 1,858 units. It and the coupe version with those iconic gullwing doors have had a lasting influence on automotive design.
When historical importance, rarity, and an overall iconic persona combine, the result is a classic car with astronomical value. Fully restored, the value of this car would easily punch well above $1 million, and as a concours example it would approach the $1.5 million mark. That puts into perspective the $800,000 price for a junked-out version.
