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Mercedes-Benz introduced a Roadster version of the 300SL at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show. It effectively replaced the gullwing coupe which was retired that year. At $11,000 is was more expensive than the outgoing coupe and it benefited from a host of upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz described it as their “response to the demand in many countries for a particularly fast, comfortable, open sports car. This automobile offers a wide range of technical achievements for even greater driving safety and motoring comfort as well as a high standard of practical everyday value for touring in real style.”

Like the Gullwing, the Roadster featured roughly the same engineering underneath, but the body was changed to incorporate regular doors. Detail differences included larger front fenders, larger 'euro' headlights, a smaller grille, a rounder front windscreen and a chrome accent strip running down the side of the car.

To maintain rigidity , Mercedes-Benz engineers had to add more structural integrity into the chassis. Thus the Roadster is slightly heavier than its coupe counterpart. The rear suspension was also revised with a single-point swing axle and an additional coil spring.

The engine was only slightly updated to include a sports camshaft and a higher 9.5:1 compression ratio. This helped the car achieve a top speed near 155 mph.

Like the Coupe, the Roadster was available with a wide array of options, some of the more desirable include the hardtop, knock-off Rudge wheels and fitted rear luggage.

Chassis & Sales

1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - sold for $528,000 The white 1958 300SL Roadster presented here is an outstanding, beautifully restored example. Prior to its purchase by the current owner, this 300SL was part of a large Japanese automobile collection. The 300SL features beautiful chrome and brightwork, European-specification covered headlamps, and a set of genuine Rudge knock-off wheels, shod with period-style reproduction B.F. Goodrich Silvertown tires. Inside the cockpit, the stunning interi... more
Gallery: 2008 Monterey Preview

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - did not sell for $460,000 The 300SL Roadster presented here is finished in a beautiful shade of blue with a matching soft top as well as a very desirable and rare hardtop and the more attractive European specification headlights. All of the numbers on this car match and are correct (steering box, king pins, engine, body, chassis, gearbox) and, although the precise date and specifics are unknown, this car was fully restored at some point before seeing very limited use. ... more
Gallery: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 10002637 - sold for $632,500 The car is presented with its original set of manuals, an extremely desirable factory hardtop and a set of attractive European headlights sourced and fitted by the owner. The present owner, who has owned numerous 300 SLs over the past decades, points out that this car is equipped with the sought-after, large version drum brakes. These brakes were the ultimate development of those derived from the 300 SLR race cars which had enormous inboard... more
Gallery: 2010 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - sold for $440,000 This striking red roadster with tan leather interior and tan German canvas top was regularly used by its owner in driving events. It has a solid, rust-free body with very nice paint and chrome. In addition, it shows evidence of having been well cared-for and regularly maintained. The trunk is lined with the correct square-weave material, and the jack and complete tool kit are included, both of which appear to be in their original bags. The 300... more
Gallery: RM Auctions' 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster - sold for $522,500 Fastidiously prepared, properly cared for and even used for enjoyable local driving in Florida in addition to its many long-distance tours, this great 300 SL Roadster was recently described by the current owner as a “lovely, lovely car.” In addition to its timeless style and peerless driving dynamics, it is also complete with an extensive file of paperwork, as well as maintenance, restoration and 300 SL Registry documents. An extra set of floo... more
Gallery: RM Auctions' 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - sold for $572,000 In single ownership from the early 1960s into the 21st century, this 300SL roadster has been lovingly treated and regularly maintained by marque specialists. In 1998-99, a previous owner had Hyannis Restorations in Massachusetts conduct a comprehensive restoration. This involved stripping to bare metal and refinishing in white, restoring all brightwork and installing a red leather interior with matching carpets.
Gallery: 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions

1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster - sold for $951,500 Only 7,367 Miles from New. Likely the Finest Survivor in Existence. Single-Family Ownership for 46 Years. Verified Matching-Numbers Example. To imagine that 48 years after leaving the Mercedes-Benz factory, this car would remain essentially as-delivered is simply astounding. The extraordinary combination of low, original mileage, preserved condition, disc brakes, factory hardtop, excellent provenance and picture- perfect appearance assuredl... more
Gallery: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 7500383 - sold for $561,000 The earliest recorded owner of this Roadster was William Mattlin of University Heights, Ohio, followed by Peter Ramins, who bought the exclusive sports car in August 1966. Mr. Ramins kept meticulous records on the maintenance of his prized Roadster, copies of which remain with the car today. In late 1966, the 300 SL was in need of a new engine block and refurbishing of various mechanical components. After sourcing an NOS factory-replacement st... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 0002869 - sold for $627,000 This wonderful example from 1961 was purchased new in Newport, California and spent most of the intervening years in Coronado, California. Approximately 10 years ago, the current enthusiast-owner acquired it from Paul Russell in Essex, Massachusetts. Since it was already a beautifully running and driving car, the 300 SL was purchased with the intention to be driven and enjoyed first and then restored later. Accordingly, it was shipped to the n... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster - sold for $638,000 Documented History Since New. Silver over Red Livery Since New. Offered with Owner’s Manual and Pouch, and a Variety Tools and Documents. Copperstate 1000 Veteran. Ready to Be Driven, Enjoyed and Admired. Documented by Mercedes-Benz Factory Build Sheets.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster - sold for $962,500 The 1960 Copenhagen Motor Show Car. Recently Discovered in a New York Garage. Single-Family Ownership for over 50 Years. Factory-Prepared as a Show Car. Original Finishes and Matching Numbers. Just over 15,000 Miles from New. Offered with Hardtop, Tools and Copies of Build Sheets. Outstanding Candidate for Preservation Display.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster - sold for $852,500 Desirable Disc-Brake SL Roadster. West Coast Car from New.* Verified Matching-Numbers Example. Exacting Restoration Performed by Marque Specialists. Spectacular Factory Color Combination. Complete with Hardtop, Luggage, Tools and Manuals. Offered from Prominent Mercedes-Benz Collection.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - sold for $687,500 Matching-numbers engine; documented in the 300SL Roadster Register. Recently serviced by RM Auto Restoration. Rare disc brake example. In addition to its handsome overall presentation, high-quality finish and brightwork and matching-numbers engine, this car is also complete with competition-style lap belts, an original-type Becker Mexico multi-band pushbutton radio, a striking tan leather interior, a matching cloth top and fitted luggage.
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - sold for €451,472 The history file accompanying this 300SL Roadster shows that it was originally shipped on 9 January, 1958 from Amsterdam to Durban, finished in DB180 silver with contrasting red leather upholstery and destined for Mercedes aficionado Dr. John Stegman of Bloemfontein, South Africa. Together with his friend and fellow 300SL owner Walter Weis, Dr. Stegman set a record driving time with this 300SL from Bloemfontein to Cape Town, a record which is ... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - did not sell for €452,400 This wonderful Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster presented here is certainly one of the most honest examples available and is believed to be one of three delivered in this colour combination. The car has benefitted from diligent care of only four owners from new and has been driven sparingly. It is complete with its original engine 8500164. Delivered new to a gentleman by the name of Joseph Bramlette, the car passed to a Mr. Hyatt Cheek, Jr. of Dal... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster - sold for $660,000 Matching-Numbers Example. One California Owner for 45 Years. Documented by a Mercedes-Benz Wagenkarte. Delivered New in Red over Tan Leather. Eligible for the Finest Tours and Rallies.
Gallery: 2012 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 198.042.10.002580 - sold for $990,000 Recent complete restoration by Rudi & Company. Stunning color combination. Concours or event ready. Optional hardtop, tool roll and desirable Rudge wheels.
Gallery: Amelia Island 2012 by RM Auctions

1961 MERCEDES BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER 198.042.10.002820 - sold for €643,288 Matching numbers. Rare version with disc brakes, hard-top and suitcase. Completely restored by renowned German specialist. Legendary model, high performance and comfortable. Restored by the German specialist Lars Romblesheim, disc brakes, hard-top and suitcases.
Gallery: 2012 Sport & GTs au Mans Classic by Artcurial

1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.003228 - sold for $1,595,000 A Rare and Sought-After Disc Brake, Alloy Block Roadster. A Two-Owner Car from New. Less than 15,000 Total Miles. An Extremely Authentic Example. Beautifully Presented Original Interior. Equipped with Karl Baisch Factory- Fitted Luggage and Optional Hardtop. The Ultimate Specification 300 SL Roadster.
Gallery: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.002759 - sold for $792,000 Matching-Numbers Example. Beautifully Restored Condition. Documented by Mercedes-Benz Wagenkarte. Eligible for the Finest Tours and Rallies. 2011 Legends of the Autobahn Class Winner.
Gallery: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.002573 - sold for $847,000 Striking Original Color Combination. Single-Family Ownership Since 1964. Original Finishes and Matching Numbers. Just Over 25,000 Miles from New. Outstanding Candidate for Preservation Display.
Gallery: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 198.042.10.002582 - sold for $814,000 Matching number example; ex-Ned Tanen. Regularly maintained by Mercedes-Benz experts. Strong mechanical and cosmetic condition. Mercedes’ most iconic roadster.
Gallery: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042-10-002727 - sold for $770,000 Matching-Numbers, European-Delivery Roadster. Older Restoration in Attractive Livery. Recently Serviced and Ready for Touring. Documented by Mercedes-Benz Wagenkarte.
Gallery: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.75.00195 - sold for $1,540,000 One of Roughly 25 Factory Rudge Wheel Examples. Matching-Numbers Roadster. Low Mileage and Limited Ownership. Restoration and Detailing by 300 SL Specialists. Class Winner at the Quail Motorsports Gathering. Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance Veteran Driven by Sir Stirling Moss. Recently Serviced and Ready for Touring. Offered with Books, Tools, and Factory Luggage. Documented by Mercedes-Benz Wagenkarte.
Gallery: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.7500081 - sold for $726,000 A Matching-Numbers Roadster. Low-Mileage Example in Attractive Factory-Delivered Colors. One Owner for 50 Years Well-Documented History. An Exciting, Largely Original Garage Find.
Gallery: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.7500568 - sold for $654,500 Spectacular Performance, Even by Today’s Standards. Well-Maintained, Highly Presentable Older Restoration. Offered with a Factory Hardtop. An Undisputed Motoring Icon Ideal Driving Event Entrant.
Gallery: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 198.042-8500286 - sold for $792,000 Well-restored in desirable colors. Rudge wheels, fitted luggage, and factory hardtop. European headlights. As an original U.S.-delivery car with bumper guards, in addition to its “triple crown” of options, this car is equipped with a later upgrade to European-style single-lens headlamps. Many feel that this improves the overall appearance of a Roadster, and here, the lenses are fresh and beautiful. The original firewall data tag remains presen... more
Gallery: 2013 Amelia Island by Rm Auctions

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