1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Rallye Roadster

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