1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

The Mercedes-Benz SL Gullwing captivated the automotive world with its stunning lookings, brilliant engineering, and enviable performance. With the production of the iconic 300 SL Coupe coming to a close, an open-top convertible soon emerged. A prototype was spotted in the summer of 1956, and the production model would later debut at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show. The final 70 of the 1,400 Coupes were built by the end of that year, along with the first 618 examples of the 300 SL Roadsters.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster employed the state-of-the-art tubular frame platform from its predecessor, with the center section of the space-frame chassis being lowered, with smaller sills and enlarged doors added to improve entrance and egress. Diagonal struts were added to brace the lower side sections of the rear tubular members, ensuring structural rigidity and strength. The wheelbase measured 94.5 inches, a width of 70.5 inches, and an overall length of 178 inches. The revised suspension system resulted in increased comfort and improved handling. The spare tire was relocated below the trunk floor, and reasonable luggage space was maintained due to a smaller fuel tank. Power continued to be sourced from the M198 water-cooled, overhead-cam straight-six engine, displacing 2,996cc (3.0 liter) and offering 240 (SAE / 215 DIN) power at 6,100 RPM and 217 lb-ft (SAE gross) (294 Nm) at 4,800 RPM. It used a Bosch mechanical direct fuel-injection system, dry sump lubrication, a large oil cooler, and 8.55:1 compression.

Due to the vehicle's low profile, the engine was tilted 50 degrees toward the driver's side. The engine was paired with a four-speed transmission with a single-disc dry clutch and a stock rear-axle ratio of 1:3.42. This was soon changed (after the 41st vehicle) to 1:3.64 for better acceleration. With the low final gear ratio of 1:3.25, the roadster could achieve a top speed of 163 mph, making it the fastest production car of its era.

The steering was by a relatively precise recirculating ball system, and the suspension was independent all round, with double wishbones, coil springs, and a stabilizer bar at the front. The coupe used a swing axle, jointed only at the differential, while the roadster used a single-joint arrangement, positioned slightly more than 3 inches below the differential centerline. Michelin 'X' steel-belted radial tires were standard.

The roadster weighed approximately 275 pounds more than the coupe, with the additional weight offset by the installation of a more aggressive competition-spec camshaft and an optional high-compression ratio.

A hardtop became optional in September 1958.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was largely hand-built and in keeping with the company's tradition, received continuous development and relentless improvements throughout its production lifespan. The most notable change during production was the introduction of four-wheel disc brakes in 1961 and an aluminum engine block at the end of 1962. A total of 1,858 examples of the Roadster were built through 1963, higher than the 1,200 examples of the Gullwing Coupe. Sales of the Roadster were initially strong, with 618 built in 1957, falling to 267 in 1958, and then hovering around 200 throughout the remainder of its production.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2022