Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Overview
| Produced: |
1957-1963, 1858 produced. |
|---|---|
| Types: |
Roadster,2 doors,2 seats |
Mercedes introduced its most famous and dramatic post-war model in 1954, the "Gullwing" 300SL. In 1957 the 300SL coupe was replaced by a softer, open roadster version. The 300SL Roadster still had the incredible mechanical specification of the Gullwing model which included a 3.0 litre dry sump, fuel injected engine capable of reaching a top speed of 140mph.
The 300SL Roadster had similar lines below the waist as the Gullwing, however the round headlamps were replaced by "stacked" one piece units as seen on many of the later Mercedes saloon models. Thanks to better ventilation (!) the 300SL Roadster sold well between 1957-1963 and helped establish a long line of sports/convertible Mercedes models that continues to thrive.
Engines
| Capacity | Config | Model | Bore/Stroke | CR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2996cc | S6 OHC | Mercedes S6 |
Auction Sales History
Books
| ISBN | Title | Publisher | Buy this book |
|---|---|---|---|
| 186982640X | Road & Track on Mercedes 1952-62 | Brooklands Books |
|
Magazine Articles
| Title | Pages | Options | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article |
Vanity fair |
36 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars March 2010 | |||
| Vanity fair - Ferrari could have owned the glamorous sports convertible market in 1957 with its 250GT convertibles, but Mercedes had other ideas in the shape of a voluptuous roadster version of the spectacular 300SL Gullwing. Mercedes-Benz 300SL vs Ferrari 250 LWB California Spider. | ||||
| Article |
Looks like heaven goes like hell |
42 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars January 2008 | |||
| Looks like heaven goes like hell - In 1945, German factories were rubble, just ten years later, the extraordinary - and occasionally frightening - Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing burst on the scene, and is still other-worldly more than 50 years on. Meet the widow-maker. | ||||
| Article |
20 great classics do battle |
56 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars November 2005 | |||
| 20 great classics do battle - There's never been a showdown like this before. 20 of the most popular classics of all time go head to head at the Classic Cars test track. How does your favourite fare? | ||||
| Article |
Classic Cars July 2001 pg 60 |
60 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars July 2001 | |||
| Driving Mercedes' 300SL racing car with John Surtees. The former World Champion shares his expertise in the ex-Mille Miglia car. | ||||
| Article |
Classic Cars July 2001 pg 54 |
54 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic Cars July 2001 | |||
| Mercedes Gullwing 300 SL. Insight into Mercedes' most glamorous car. | ||||
| Article |
Sports leight |
78 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car March 2011 | |||
| Sports leight - Mercedes SLs are famed for effortless pace, beauty and bulletproof reliability. Alastair Clements and Martin Buckley meet five generations of the world's most desirable roadster, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Mercedes-Benz 190SL,Mercedes-Benz Pagoda, Mercedes-Benz R107, Mercedes-Benz R129, Mercedes-Benz R230. | ||||
| Article |
155 mph - Mercedes-Benz 300SL vs Jaguar XKSS vs Ferrari 250TR. |
80 |
|
|
| Publication | Octane September 2010 | |||
| 155 mph - Mercedes-Benz 300SL vs Jaguar XKSS vs Ferrari 250TR - They were among the fastest cars you could buy in the 1950s, suitable for competition or fast road use. But which of these 155mph supercars offers the greatest all-round driving satisfaction half a century later? | ||||
| Article |
Angels of the South |
110 |
|
|
| Publication | Classic & Sports Car November 2005 | |||
| Angels of the South - The BMW 507 took a forecourt battering from Merc's rival 300SL roadster when new. Almost 50 years on, can Munich's most vaunted redress the balance in the battle of the ultimate '50s supercruisers? Martin Buckley decides. | ||||
| Article |
Put through the Mille |
72 |
|
|
| Publication | Octane August 2005 | |||
| Put through the Mille - In theory today’s Mille Miglia is a regularity event, run to strict speed limits. The reality is rather different, especially when you’re driving a Merc 300SL. | ||||
| Article |
A Wing....and a Prayer - Mercedes 300SL |
48 |
|
|
| Publication | Octane June 2004 | |||
| A Wing....and a Prayer - Mercedes 300SL - Still recovering from the devastation of the Second World War, Mercedes gambled on turning their big 300S racer into a sports car. Industrial pride spawned the 300SL Gullwing and Roadster. | ||||
| Article |
MotorSport March 2003 pg 54 |
54 |
|
|
| Publication | MotorSport March 2003 | |||
| The Gull of Mexico. It was one of the most brutal races ever, yet Mercedes conquered the Carrera Panamericana with a car of stealth, grace and precision. Fifty years after its momentous triumph, Andrew Frankel Drives it - and is impressed. | ||||
| Article |
Classics December 2002 pg 36 |
36 |
|
|
| Publication | Classics December 2002 | |||
| Spotter's Guide. Roadsters Revealed. In its 18 years on sale, the W107-series Mercedes-Benz SL went through a series of changes and developments. Andrew Noakes explains how to spot the differences. | ||||
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