THE 300 SL ROADSTER

While the original Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” Coupe was exiting stage left in 1957, its successor, the 300 SL Roadster, was debuting at that year’s Geneva Salon. The conversion of the 300 SL to an open car meant redesigning the chassis, which was strengthened significantly to compensate for the loss of the roof structure. The headlamps were changed, the grille was smaller, and a chrome molding was added below the doors. The famed racing-derived twin-cam six-cylinder engine produced some 215 brake horsepower, and the revised rear suspension now boasted a compensating spring, which was added to reduce the oversteering tendencies of the Gullwing’s single-jointed swing axle arrangement.

Enthusiasts who may have worried about the 300 SL going “soft” had absolutely nothing to concern themselves about. The Roadster remained among the fastest automobiles on the road, as it was capable of 133–155 mph, depending on the final drive ratio specified.

Production of the Roadster continued until early 1963, and with 1,858 built, it proved even more popular than its gull-winged predecessor, yet it still remained exclusive enough amongst the well-to-do. Like the earlier coupe, it was, in its day, the car in which to see and be seen, and it was favored by celebrities, racing drivers, and just about anyone who appreciated fine machinery and who also had the bank account to acquire it. Today, the 300 SL Roadster still carries with it an indelible aura of speed, power, and sophisticated style. It is fast enough for the sports car lover yet comfortable enough for those who demand luxury, and it has remained for nearly 60 years as one of the most desirable automobiles in the world.

TREASURED BY COLLECTORS

According to its Mercedes-Benz data card, the very early production 300 SL Roadster offered here, chassis number 198.042.7500397, was originally delivered finished in Blue (DB 334) with Cream interior and was equipped with no turn signals, a 3.89:1 rear axle, and U.S.-specification gauges and equipment. An original U.S.-delivery model, its earliest known history can be tracked to Buffalo, New York. Among its owners in Buffalo was Dr. Irwin A. Ginsberg, a renowned otolaryngologist, oenophile, and passionate automobile collector known for his fine classics that won awards all over the country, including Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1985.

The car was enjoyed by a succession of other owners in Florida, Ohio, and finally California before joining the collection of its present owner, a renowned Midwestern enthusiast, several years ago. The owner purchased the car with the intent to make it a superb driver and accordingly had its engine, a 1958 unit, rebuilt by the respected Mercedes-Benz authority Jim Cosgrove of Oldtimer Restoration Center in Harvard, Massachusetts, in addition to other mechanical work, including inspection of the rear axle and transmission.

The 300 SL is reported to run and drive superbly, and also presents beautifully in its model-correct Fire Engine Red finish, which is in fine condition throughout; the interior is similarly well-preserved and in excellent order. Furthermore, it is equipped with a correct Becker Mexico radio and retains a correct soft-top. As a 1957 model, it would be a wonderful and ideal entrant for a wide variety of historic motoring events, including the California Mille and Colorado Grand.

The 300 SL Roadster has become every bit as desirable as its famous “Gullwing” sibling, and similarly to the Jaguar E-Type, no enthusiasts’ stable is complete without one. This very early example, long treasured by enthusiasts and maintained as an excellent driver, would be an ideal acquisition for the lady or gentleman who thrills in the sport of driving.