A 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis no. 198.042.10.003069, whose current owner has had it for an incredible four decades, leads the early entries for RM Sotheby’s upcoming 16th annual Fort Lauderdale sale, set for April 6-7 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, florida. Highlighting the two-day auction is a group of four European sports cars offered fresh-to-the-market out of long-term ownership by a private Michigan collector.
The 300 SL was originally delivered to Sophus Kruse, a prominent Hamburg realtor, finished in the unusual and striking livery of Mercedes Blue over Light Yellow leather with a cream top. As a European-specification car, it was also fitted with the desirable one-piece “Euro” headlamps, as well as late-production disc brakes — two of the most sought-after features on the model.
When the current owner acquired the car in the late 1970s it was finished in metallic white, but has since been restored to its original factory color, while preserving the original upholstery. The car is still powered by its original engine, and is being sold with its original Owners and Service Manuals, service records, instructions for the Becker Grand Prix radio, and a largely complete original tool kit. Never fully restored and always maintained and enjoyed, this is a striking example offered from a wonderful long-term home.
“We continuously strive to bring fresh-to-market, sought-after collector cars to auction,” said RM Sotheby’s Car Specialist Matt Malamut. “We’re proud to have been entrusted by a true, lifelong enthusiast to offer his long-enjoyed collection in Fort Lauderdale. The owner had great foresight in purchasing what would become highly collectible models when they were ‘just cars,’ and these are now examples offered out of one of the most significant terms of ownership we’ve seen in years.”
Three additional cars from the collection, all offered without reserve, are: a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL that has been part of the collection since 1989 and was chosen by the collector for its desirable manual transmission. It is also equipped with air conditioning and both hard and soft tops; a 1977 Porsche 911 Turbo Carrera 3.0, offered by its first and only enthusiast owner. This early 930 was purchased new from Howard Cooper Volkswagen-Porsche+Audi in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and shows just over 35,000 miles. It’s still wearing its original Metallic Silver paint and Lobster Red interior, and has been continuously maintained by expert Porsche mechanics; and a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa that has resided with the current owner since it was just one month from new. The car clocks just under 34,400 actual miles, and comes complete with its factory set of five-piece luggage, Owner’s Manual, service booklet and directory, nearly complete original tool set, wheel tool, jack and tow bar.
For additional information about these and all the other cars on offer, please visit www.rmsothebys.com
