1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

2dr Roadster

6-cyl. 2996cc/250hp Bosch FI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$1,350,000*

equal0%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$500k$1MOct 2024
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1954-1964 Mercedes-Benz 300SL stats
Highest sale
$9,355,000
Lowest sale
$11,970
Most recent sale
$887,500
Sales
861

Photos

62 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 2dr Roadster Courtesy of Canepa
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Model overview

Model description

In most cases, a road car comes first and a racing version follows. But for the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, the radical-gull-wing door coupe that hit the market in 1954 was directly derived from the sports racing car that won the Carrera Panamericana and the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1952.

The road car that followed retained the racing version’s, strong tubular frame with high sills—necessitating the gull wing doors—and featured fully-independent suspension and a fuel-injected version of Mercedes-Benz’s 2,995cc single-overhead camshaft engine. The straight-six was rated at 215 bhp and would propel the car to speeds upwards of 160mph, making it one of the fastest production car in the world upon introduction. The only transmission available was a four-speed manual and powerful drum brakes were fitted at each corner. Significant options included a more highly-tuned engine, Rudge knock-off wheels and fitted luggage. The most coveted of all the production 300SLs are the 29 aluminum coupes.

Fast, beautiful and very expensive at nearly $9,000, only 1,400 of the exclusive coupes were built between 1954 and 1957 when the model was superceded by the 300SL roadster.

The open two-seater was clearly closely related to the coupe, but thanks to a modified tube frame, conventional doors—with roll-up windows--could be fitted. Power went up slightly for the drop-top version and the swing axle rear suspension was modified to improve handling. A popular option was the snug hardtop, while the most notable changes during production were the introduction of four-wheel disc brakes in 1961 and an aluminum engine block at the end of 1962. By the time the 300SL roadster was discontinued in early 1964, 1,858 had been built.

Many enthusiasts rate the open 300SL as the superior car to drive, due to its greater power and more predictable handling. The Gullwing coupe, however, endures as one of the most iconic postwar automobiles, and is a bellwether of automotive design.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length179.9 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches94.5 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $1,350,000 for a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL at auction over the last three years was $1,820,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL at auction over the last three years was $1,187,500. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 7 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SLs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL was $1,187,500 on August 17, 2024 by Gooding & Company.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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