1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Launched in 1954 as a two-seater coupé with distinctive 'Gull-wing doors', the 300 SL (Sport Leicht/ Sport Light) was followed a few years later by the convertible 'Roadster.' The 300SL was a road-going version of the company's dominant W194 Sports Racing Car, birthed at the persuasion of New York's Max Hoffman, the legendary, larger-than-life, post-war Mercedes distributor for North America. Both the coupe and convertible utilized direct mechanical fuel injection, power brakes, and a synchromesh gearbox. The engine was installed at an unusual 45-degree angle, permitting a low hoodline. The 212 horsepower was not far short of the 250 bhp developed by the W196 R Grand Prix car. The suspension was independent at all four corners, and a hypoid rear axle served both to lower the car and improve its handling. The interior featured individual bucket seats, installed deep within the car, in a cockpit inspired by the jet fighter aircraft of the era.

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL wore a steel body enveloping a welded aluminum spaceframe chassis providing strength and rigidity without the penalty of extra weight. Aluminum was used to form the doors, bonnet, and boot lid, helping the SL live up to the 'Leicht' in its name. The innovative construction, lightweight materials, and Bosch-injected (the first of its kind on a production automobile), three-liter, straight-six resulted in the 300SL becoming the fastest production car in the world at the time with a top speed of 160 mph. The 300 SL was essentially a road-going version of the Le-Mans-running 300 SLR and provided an exhilarating driving experience unequaled by anything else on the market.

It was unsurprising that the development of an open version would soon follow the closed coachwork, especially considering the all-important U.S. market and the booming postwar economy. The 300 SL Roadster used the 'hotter' engine with 'NSL' camshaft ('Special Parts for Sporty Driving') that had been optionally available on the Gullwing. Minimal styling changes were adopted including a smaller grille opening and chrome trim below the side sill. The space-frame construction was thoroughly re-engineered with conventional doors and a cockpit area altered to permit lower door sills, resulting in easier entry and egress. To maintain reasonable luggage space with the top lowered, the spare tire was relocated below the floor. The rear suspension used low-pivot swing axles that aided in the car's readability.

The road-going 300 SL was introduced in 1954 at the New York Auto Show rather than the traditional location of Frankfurt or Geneva. Serial production began in August of 1954 at the Sindelfingen plant. The introduction of the 300 SL Roadster followed in May of 1957 at the Geneva Salon.

The roadster tipped the scales at just over 3,130 pounds making it 275 pounds heavier than the coupe, although the extra weight was offset by the more potent 240 horsepower engine. Depending on the final drive ratio specified, the Roadster was capable of top speeds that ranged from 133 to 155 mph.

Production of the Coupe lasted from 1954 to 1957 with 1,200 examples built. The roadster was built from 1957 to 1963 with 1,858 units built. When new, the Coupe was priced at approximately $6,820 in the United States, and the Roadster listed for U.S. $10,950.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2021