1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster
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.
In Detail
| tags | 300sl |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| released at | 1957 Geneva Motor Show |
| built at | Germany |
| price $ | $ 10,900 |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| valvetrain | SOHC |
| displacement | 2996 cc / 182.8 in³ |
| bore | 85.09 mm / 3.35 in |
| stroke | 87.9 mm / 3.46 in |
| compression | 9.5:1 |
| power | 186.4 kw / 250.0 bhp @ 6200 rpm |
| specific output | 83.44 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 179.21 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 309.13 nm / 228.0 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm |
| f suspension | Wshbones |
| r suspension | Swing Axle |
| curb weight | 1395 kg / 3075 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2400 mm / 94.5 in |
| front track | 1397 mm / 55.0 in |
| rear track | 1448 mm / 57.0 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~209.2 kph / 130.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~7.1 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~19.0 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042-7500270 – did not sell for $950,000 Long-time California car. Originally fitted with ultra rare, Becker “Mexico” Signal Seeking, AM/FM radio. Comprehensive restoration by respected 300SL specialists Hjeltness Restoration of Escondido completed in 1986.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.002552 – sold for $1,210,000 Just over 34,000 miles and four owners from new. Fully matching numbers; an excellent example of its kind. Full restoration by Mercedes-Benz specialists. Incredibly well maintained and preserved since new. Never before offered at public sale.
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015
Weissgrau 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.9500036 – sold for $1,100,000 Presented in Its Factory-Original Color of Weissgrau (DB 158). Chassis, Engine, and Body Numbers Correspond to Club Records. Presented with Rudge-Style Wheels, Tools, and Fitted Luggage. Completed the Copperstate 1000 and Colorado Grand. One of the Finest Sports Cars of Its Time.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company
1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.980.10.002525 – sold for $1,210,000 Eleven-Year Ownership by Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker Frank Darabont. Comprehensive Concours-Level Two-Year Restoration Completed in December 2014. Chassis, Engine, and Body Numbers Correspond to Factory Records. Documented with Restoration Invoices and Copy of Factory Build Card. Veteran of the 2006 Colorado Grand.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.8500091 – sold for €952,000 In more recent ownership, the car was refinished in Anthracite Metallic (DB 172) with black leather, and it is still equipped with its correct sealed-beam head- and tail-lights, as well as U.S.-specification instrumentation. According to a previous owner, it has been well-maintained and improved on with regular servicing and maintenance, which has been carried out by such specialists as O’Keefe Restorations and Gordon Dale.
Auction Source: Villa Erba 2015 by RM Sothebys
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042-7500203 – sold for €1,058,000 This spectacular, matching numbers 300 SL Roadster left the factory on 23rd September 1957 to be sent to Studebaker/Packard in South Bend, Indiana, USA. The original colour scheme was Elfenbein (ivory) with red leather interior and black hood (see data card copy on file). The current vendor purchased the car in 2011 from a well-known collection in Northern Germany and subsequently commissioned marque expert Jürgen Swoboda to part-restore it. As the car was generally very solid, a complete restoration was not necessary. The body was repaired where necessary, using traditional ‘lead loading’ rather than modern synthetic fillers. At this time finished in silver metallic, the car received a bare metal repaint during restoration in an original 300 SL colour, Graphite Grey, which combines stunningly with the original red leather interior.
Auction Source: The Mercedes-Benz Sale 2015 by Bonhams
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042-10-002973 – sold for €1,092,500 A 1962 model fitted with the desirable disc brakes, this beautiful 300 SL roadster was delivered new to Germany and comes with an outstandingly comprehensive service history reflecting fastidious care throughout its life. Chassis number ‘002973’ was delivered on 11th December 1961 to Mr Josef Binder of Scheidegg, Germany and registered in his name with the numberplate ‘Li-KN-24’. Mr Binder must have been very conscientious, always having the car serviced every 3,000 kilometres (and sometimes earlier) as recommended by Mercedes-Benz (see service book stamped by Autohaus Scheider, Lindau).
Auction Source: The Mercedes-Benz Sale 2015 by Bonhams
1960 Mercedes 300SL Roadster 198.042-10-002539 – sold for €1,121,250 This outstandingly original 300 SL Roadster was first owned by the prominent German industrialist Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach (1907-1967), head of the family steel-making firm Friedrich Krupp AG of Essen. The car comes with the original order form, signed by Alfried Krupp, and numerous other documents. Owned by the current vendor – only its third in 55 years – since 1980, chassis number ‘2539’ has covered only 170,000 kilometres (appr
oximately 105,500 miles) from new and is accident free. Original and un-restored, it retains matching chassis/engine numbers together with its original synthetic resin brown paintwork, beige leather interior, Becker Mexico radio and disc brakes, the latter ordered by Alfried Krupp shortly after delivery. The car comes with its original owner’s manual and folder, original tool kit, original jack and a board-mounted owner’s certificate. A steering wheel lock and plastic container for brake fluid come with it also.
During the vendor’s 35-year ownership the 300 SL has been driven regularly in summer to attend classic car meetings and other events, covering only a limited distance annually. Meticulously maintained and serviced, it is never used on the road during winter months and is always kept garaged. Possessing a TüV (MoT) valid until 2016, this exceptional 300 SL Roadster is described as in excellent condition and is ready to enjoy.
Auction Source: The Mercedes-Benz Sale 2015 by Bonhams
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.002753 – sold for $962,500 Offered proudly by its owner of 35 years. Reportedly only three owners from new. Retains its original matching-numbers engine. Equipped with both hardtop and soft-tops. A wonderful enthusiast-owned Roadster.
Auction Source: 2015 Amelia Island by RM Sotheby’s
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.7500580 – sold for $1,237,500 Outstanding Restoration by Marque Experts. Presented with Fitted Luggage, Rudge-Type Wheels, and Becker Mexico Radio. Impeccably Detailed, Low-Mileage Example. One of the Most Beautifully Presented 300 SL Roadsters in Existence. Part of a Top-Tier Collection for 25 Years.
Auction Source: The 2015 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 198.042.7500568 – sold for $1,123,548 Subject of an $80,000 mechanical overhaul by Paul Russell & Company. Accompanied by both a soft top and rare and desirable hardtop. Eligible for some of the finest tours and driving events. Sophisticated German engineering in sporting package. One of only 1,858 300SL Roadsters produced.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 198.042.8500094 – sold for $1,237,500 Matching numbers example documented via factory data card. One of only 1,858 300SL Roadsters produced. Offered with factory original Hard Top in original crate. Original, striking color combination. Low mileage, one owner car for much of its life.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams
1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.002530 – sold for $1,567,500 Among the Finest Unrestored 300 SLs in Existence. Incredibly Original, Time-Capsule Condition. One Owner for over Three Decades. Equipped with Factory Hardtop, Becker Mexico Radio, Nardi Wheel, and Hepco Luggage. Offered with Original Handbooks, Tools, Literature, and Important Documents.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company
1957 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster 1980427500351 – sold for €929,760 Sold new in France, has spent all its life in France. Restored by Mercedes-Benz in 1983. Same owner for 36 years. Few 300 SLs were sold as new in Paris and remained all their lives on French soil. Such is the case of this superb car. It has a well-charted history and has been in the same hands since 1979.
Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars
1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.003135 – sold for €1,232,000 Factory disc brakes and an alloy block. Matching numbers; believed to have had three private owners from new. Delivered new in Fire Red (DB 534). All of the best original factory features. An exceptionally original 300 SL Roadster.
Auction Source: 2015 Paris by RM Auctions
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.7500552 – sold for $1,210,000 Proudly offered by its owner of 40 years. Driven and enjoyed over 100,000 happy miles. Extensively documented, with its original engine. One of a handful originally finished in Strawberry. The beloved possession of an enthusiast.
Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions
1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.003170 – sold for $1,512,500 Desirable Late-Production Disc-Brake Alloy-Block Roadster. 24 Years in a Prominent Northwest Collection. Complete with Factory Hardtop. Accompanied by Tool Kit and Manuals. The Ultimate Specification 300 SL Roadster.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
Strawberry Red Metallic 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.7500239 – sold for $1,705,000 Recent Mercedes-Benz Classic Center US Restoration. Presented in Rare, Originally Delivered Interior and Exterior Colors. Equipped with Rudge-Type Knockof Wheels and Fitted Luggage. An Undisputed Motoring Icon. Ideal for Long-Distance Tours, Events, and Rallies.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.002992 – sold for $1,127,500 A wonderful recent discovery. Offered from 40 years of single-family ownership. Factory European-specification disc brake car. Original leather interior and removable hardtop.
Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.7500666 – sold for $1,182,500 Formerly of the Bob Pond Collection. Believed to be just two owners from new. Optioned with special-order paint, a Becker-Mexico radio, and painted wheels. Currently showing less than 17,500 actual miles, with its original interior. Features original books and tools.
Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198042.7500242 – sold for $1,210,000 Exquisitely restored, matching numbers example. Long-time California car. Eligible for some of the finest tours and driving events. Sophisticated German engineering in sporting package. Offered with Mercedes-Benz build sheets and tools.
Auction Source: 2014 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.7500569 – sold for $1,842,500 One of only 25 original Rudge wheel Roadsters. Originally owned by Natalie Wood. Restored by 300 SL specialist Rudi Koniczek. Winner of Best in Class at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours. Desirably equipped and beautifully finished, with Hollywood provenance.
Auction Source: Amelia Island 2014 by RM Auctions
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.750 0592 – sold for $946,000 Stunning Color Combination. Restoration Completed by Marque Expert. Eligible for the Finest Tours and Rallies. Documented by Copy of Factory Build Record. An Undisputed Motoring Icon.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1964 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.003207 – sold for $2,035,000 One of the Last Delivered 300 SLs. A Desired Disc Brake, Alloy Block Roadster. European Specification Example. 80,237 KM (49,856 Miles) from New. Single Ownership from 1971 to 2013. An Exceptionally Original, Unrestored Example. Offered with Books, Tools, and Factory Hardtop. Documented by Mercedes-Benz Build Card. One of the Most Exciting 300 SL Discoveries.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.7500236 – sold for €823,200 Matching numbers. Body-off restoration by German marque specialist. Retrofitted with disc brakes, Euro headlights, and a 3.25 rear axle. Original radio, tool kit, and jack.
Auction Source: 2014 Paris by RM Auctions
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.8500244 – sold for $1,045,000 Mercedes-Benz’s iconic Roadster. Finished in its original, rare, and beautiful color combination. Recent extensive refinish and service by 300 SL experts Rudi & Company. Matching-numbers example.
Auction Source: 2014 Arizona by RM Auctions
1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.002582 – sold for $1,100,000 Matching-Numbers Example. Complete with Manuals, Tools, and Reproduction Luggage. Well-Maintained Older Restoration. Ideal Choice for Driving Events.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.9500015 – sold for $1,430,000 An Exceptionally Presented 300 SL Roadster. Well-Documented, Matching-Numbers Example. Originally Delivered to Al Haddad Motors in Bahrain. Exacting Restoration Performed by Brian Anderson’s Classic European. Best in Class at the 2012 La Jolla Motor Car Classic.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – sold for $1,650,000 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster on chassis 198.042.10.002562. The progenitor of the modern supercar. Charming provenance; two owners from new. Impeccable restoration to award-winning standards. Rare original accessories. Fully loaded 300SL roadster with hardtop, knock-off hubcaps, fitted luggage and toolkit.
Auction Source: RM’s Art of the Automobile
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 198.042.8500302 – sold for $984,500 Restored by Rudi Koniczek. Stunning color combination. European headlights. Fitted luggage and Becker Mexico radio.
Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 198.042.7500229 – sold for $1,430,000 Single-family ownership from new until 2009. Only 42,312 original miles since new. A First in Class and People’s Choice Award at the 2012 Mercedes-Benz National Starfest Concours d’Elegance. Fresh restoration in original Ivory with Green leather interior. Full matching-numbers example accompanied by original factory and title documentation and ample restoration documentation.
Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions
1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster 198.042.10.003142 – sold for $1,622,500 One of Just 210 Disc-Brake, Alloy-Block Roadsters Built. Spectacular, One-of-One Factory Color Combination. A 43,000-Mile Example. Fascinating and Complete History. Equipped with Original Factory Hardtop. Beautifully Preserved 1073 Red Leather Interior. The Ultimate Specification 300 SL Roadster.
Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auction
1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster 198.042.10.003044 – sold for €1,114,400 Matching-numbers and low-mileage Roadster. Originally delivered to Switzerland. Five-year comprehensive restoration. Uprated for pleasurable driving on today’s roads.
Auction Source: 2013 Villa d’Erba Auction by RM
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 present on the car. The 300SL rides on sports racing tires with a period-correct appearance and shows 21,000 miles.
Auction Source: 2013 Amelia Island by Rm Auctions
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.
Auction Source: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction 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.
Auction Source: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
