There was no doubt that Mercedes-Benz had a hit on their hands with their spectacular 300 SL Gulling. The car’s looks, performance, and brilliant engineering captivated the automotive world, and it proved to be a runaway success for Mercedes-Benz. After production ended on the iconic Gullwing Coupé, the marque was eager to add a convertible version to its line-up.

A prototype of this new model was first spotted in the summer of 1956 at Stuttgart by the German magazine Auto, Motor und Sport, whilst the production model would later debut at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show. By the end of that year, the final 70 of the 1,400 Coupés and the first 618 of the 300 SL Roadsters were assembled.

Along with a convertible top, the 300 SL brought a host of advancements to the already state-of-the-art 300 SL platform. The central section of the 300 SL’s space-frame chassis was lowered, the sills were smaller, and the doors were enlarged in order to allow for improved entrance and egress. Strength was maintained, nonetheless, with the addition of diagonal struts, which braced the lowered side sections to the rear tubular members. The suspension was also revised to allow for a more comfortable ride and improved handling. At the rear, the spare tyre was repositioned below the boot floor, necessitating a smaller fuel tank but also maintaining reasonable luggage space. Whilst these revisions added some 250 pounds, with the majority of the weight being associated with the convertible top and its mechanisms, the car remained an excellent performer, with a factory-claimed 137-mph top speed.

Just like the Coupé, the 300 SL Roadster proved to be the vehicle of choice for those with brilliant taste in aesthetics and cutting-edge engineering. As such, many wound up in the garages of celebrities, racing drivers, and other financially successful individuals. With a list price of $11,000, ownership of a 300 SL Roadster was a dream to most when the car was new, but to those with the funds to spare, the car was worth every penny. To those looking to make a statement with the purchase of a new car, there was simply no better option available for purchase in 1957.

According to a copy of this Roadster’s delivery documents from Mercedes-Benz, chassis number 198.042.7500188 was originally delivered to Portugal in Ivory (DB608) with a black convertible top (DB872) over a black leather interior (DB953). Whilst little is currently known of its subsequent history, it was more recently acquired in the US by an Italian collector of 1950s and ’60s sports cars. It was then beautifully restored by well-known craftsman Salvatore Diomante at his restoration shop, Autocostruzioni SD, in 2006, receipts for which are included on file. During this time, the car was finished in the highly attractive colour scheme of Dark Blue with a Red leather interior. Exhibiting an expert restoration, this Mercedes still retains its original matching-numbers engine and remains well-detailed and properly finished to high standards throughout. To maintain the level of work, it has recently been sent to the premier 300 SL service facility in Germany, HK Engineering, where the Roadster received a new water pump, a gearbox check, and a full service in preparation for sale.

The 300 SL Roadster has gone down in history as one of the finest and most desirable sporting cars of its generation. There are beautifully restored examples, and there are cars that are well sorted for fast driving by nimble hands that are clad in string-back gloves. Offered here is the best of both worlds, and it is ready to bring excitement into a new home.