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Production of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing' was in production for just three years, during which time 1,400 examples were created (not including racers and prototypes). These cars were built mostly by hand at Stuttgart's.
In the summer of 1956 at Stuttgart, a modified version of the 300SL roadster was first seen. The roadster made its official debut in the spring of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show. At the close of the year, the final 70 of the 1,400 Gullwing Coupes and the first 618 of the 1,858 300SL roadsters were assembled.
The Roadster had a lowered central section of the lightweight 300SL space-frame chassis, allowing enlarged doors and improved entrance and egress. To enhance strength, Mercedes-Benz added a diagonal struts bracing the lowered side section to the rear tubular members. In the rear, the spare tire was repositioned below the trunk floor, requiring a smaller fuel tank but maintaining adequate luggage space.
The suspension received attention; the single-pivot rear swing-axle setup was repositioned and a coil spring was added and mounted transversely above the differential, linked to the two axle haves by a vertical strut, allowing the use of softer rear springs. These changes provided a more comfortable ride and improved handling. New, fatter tires and a wider track helped improve the vehicle's stability and handling characteristics.
With these changes came the addition of 250 pounds, with the majority of the weight associated with the convertible top and its mechanisms. The roof retracted fully into a well behind the seats and was covered with a hinged panel.
The US vehicles were given a compression boost, resulting in an additional 10 horsepower which helped offset the weight increase. Top speed claimed by the factory was 137 mph. Optional includes a removable hardtop and special fitted luggage.
The $11,000-plus price tag guaranteed their exclusive and rarity. After 1957, 300SL production slowed until the final three roadsters were completed in late 1963 for sale in 1964.
This example, chassis number 7500295, is finished in classic silver with a black convertible top and red leather interior. It is a low-mile example that has been given a professional, body-off-frame, nut-and-bolt restoration. The current owner acquired the car in late 2003 from an individual who had purchased it in 1992 from a close friend in exchange for a gold Rolex wristwatch. The prior owner entered the SL into the Copperstate 1000 rally in the early 2000s. The current owner participated in the Copperstate as well in 2008.
Currently, the car shows only about 42,000 miles. The six-cylinder, overhead cam engine delivers 225 bhp (DIN) and is mated to a four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox. There are hydraulic, servo-assisted brakes and a wheelbase that measures 94.5 inches.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the RM Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $575,000-$675,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $737,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012
In the summer of 1956 at Stuttgart, a modified version of the 300SL roadster was first seen. The roadster made its official debut in the spring of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show. At the close of the year, the final 70 of the 1,400 Gullwing Coupes and the first 618 of the 1,858 300SL roadsters were assembled.
The Roadster had a lowered central section of the lightweight 300SL space-frame chassis, allowing enlarged doors and improved entrance and egress. To enhance strength, Mercedes-Benz added a diagonal struts bracing the lowered side section to the rear tubular members. In the rear, the spare tire was repositioned below the trunk floor, requiring a smaller fuel tank but maintaining adequate luggage space.
The suspension received attention; the single-pivot rear swing-axle setup was repositioned and a coil spring was added and mounted transversely above the differential, linked to the two axle haves by a vertical strut, allowing the use of softer rear springs. These changes provided a more comfortable ride and improved handling. New, fatter tires and a wider track helped improve the vehicle's stability and handling characteristics.
With these changes came the addition of 250 pounds, with the majority of the weight associated with the convertible top and its mechanisms. The roof retracted fully into a well behind the seats and was covered with a hinged panel.
The US vehicles were given a compression boost, resulting in an additional 10 horsepower which helped offset the weight increase. Top speed claimed by the factory was 137 mph. Optional includes a removable hardtop and special fitted luggage.
The $11,000-plus price tag guaranteed their exclusive and rarity. After 1957, 300SL production slowed until the final three roadsters were completed in late 1963 for sale in 1964.
This example, chassis number 7500295, is finished in classic silver with a black convertible top and red leather interior. It is a low-mile example that has been given a professional, body-off-frame, nut-and-bolt restoration. The current owner acquired the car in late 2003 from an individual who had purchased it in 1992 from a close friend in exchange for a gold Rolex wristwatch. The prior owner entered the SL into the Copperstate 1000 rally in the early 2000s. The current owner participated in the Copperstate as well in 2008.
Currently, the car shows only about 42,000 miles. The six-cylinder, overhead cam engine delivers 225 bhp (DIN) and is mated to a four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox. There are hydraulic, servo-assisted brakes and a wheelbase that measures 94.5 inches.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the RM Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $575,000-$675,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $737,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012
2012 RM-Automobiles of Arizona
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $575,000-USD $675,000
Sale Price :
USD $737,000
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL
(Data based on Model Year 1957 sales)
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#: 198.042.7500473 Sold for USD$1,105,000 2024 Gooding & Co: Selections From The Mullin Collection Auction | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 198.042.7500510 Sold for USD$2,260,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#: 198.042.7500348 Sold for USD$2,012,500 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 'Outlaw' Chassis#: 198.042.7500282 Sold for USD$1,199,880 2023 RM Sothebys : Munich | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 198.042.7500115 Sold for USD$1,215,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Las Vegas | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 189.010.7500563 Sold for USD$1,050,000 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#: 198.042.7500038 Sold for USD$1,600,000 2022 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Sold for USD$1,375,000 2022 Mecum Indy | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Chassis#: 198.040.7500064 Sold for USD$1,352,500 2021 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 198.042.7500603 Sold for USD$1,655,000 2021 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL ROADSTER Chassis#: 300SL1980427500532 Sold for USD$1,045,000 2021 Barrett-Jackson : Las Vegas | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER Chassis#: 198.042.7500178 Sold for USD$1,274,289 2021 RM Sothebys : Milan 2021 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Sold for USD$907,500 2021 Mecum : Indy 2021 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 198.042.7500592 Sold for USD$1,066,500 2021 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Sold for USD$1,210,000 2021 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL GULLWING Chassis#: 198.040.7500027 Sold for USD$1,254,000 2020 Gooding : Geared Online | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 198 042 7500518 Sold for USD$986,346 2020 Artcurial Motorcars : Monaco | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 198.042.7500094 Sold for USD$995,000 2020 Gooding & Company : Amelia Island | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 198.042.7500397 Sold for USD$758,500 2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Chassis#: 198.042.7500594 Sold for USD$839,042 2020 RM Sothebys : Paris |
Mercedes-Benz 300SLs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 1980427500233 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $1,200,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,400,000 |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 1890107500563 | 2024 Mecum : Kissimmee | $1,200,000 | $1,450,000 | $1,500,000 |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SL ROADSTER | 198.042.7500654 | 2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach | $1,200,000 | $1,400,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 198.042.7500385 | 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | $1,300,000 | $1,600,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 198.042.7500286 | 2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center | $1,850,000 | $2,200,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 7500115 | 2023 Mecum : 2023 Monterey | $1,050,000 | $1,450,000 | $1,650,000 |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 2022 Mecum : Kissimmee | ||||
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 198.042.7500233 | 2020 RM Sothebys : Shift/Monterey | $1,100,000 | $1,200,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 2020 Mecum : Indy | ||||
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 198.042.7500532 | 2020 Bonhams : Scottsdale Arizona | $950,000 | $1,100,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 198.042.7500603 | 2019 RM Sothebys : Monterey | $1,200,000 | $1,400,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster to SLS aluminium competition specifications | 1980427500220 | 2017 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale | $1,500,000 | $2,500,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 198.042.7500299 | 2017 Bonhams : Quail Lodge | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 198042-7500432 | 2016 Bonhams : Bond Street Auction | $1,000,000 | $1,200,000 | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL ROADSTER | 198042.7500251 | 2016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge | $1,150,000 | $1,350,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 198.042.7500378 | 2016 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | $950,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,300,000 |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 198.042.7500188 | 2015 RM Sotheby's London Auction | $650,000 | $850,000 | |
1957 MERCEDES-BENZ 300SL ROADSTER | 198.042-7500270 | 2015 Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction | $1,100,000 | $1,300,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 1980427500604 | 2015 Mecum : Monterey | $1,450,000 | $1,500,000 | $2,000,000 |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL | 7500239 | 2015 Motostalgia Auction Indianapolis Brickyard | $1,750,000 | $2,000,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 7500604 | 2014 Mecum Monterey | $1,650,000 | $1,750,000 | $2,250,000 |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 198.042.7500414 | 2012 RM Auctions at Amelia Island, Fla | $625,000 | $700,000 | $800,000 |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Road Race Replica | 2011 Bonhams Classic California | $50,000 | $70,000 | ||
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster | 198.042.10.7500362 | 2010 Gooding and Company Pebble Beach Auctions | $575,000 | $650,000 | |
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster | 1980427500114 | 2006 Vintage Motor Cars in Arizona | $250,000 | $275,000 | $325,000 |
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1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
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