There was no doubt that Mercedes-Benz had a hit on their hands with their spectacular 300 SL Gullwing. The car’s looks, performance, and brilliant engineering captivated the automotive world, and it proved to be a runaway success for Mercedes-Benz. As production was soon coming to an end for the iconic 300 SL Coupe, the marque grew more eager to add a convertible version to its lineup.

A prototype of this new model was first spotted by German magazine Auto, Motor und Sport at Stuttgart in the summer of 1956, and 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 Coupes 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 platform. The central section of the 300 SL’s space-frame chassis was lowered and smaller sills and enlarged doors were added to improve entrance and egress. Its strength was maintained, nonetheless, with the addition of diagonal struts to brace 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 tire was repositioned below the trunk floor, necessitating a smaller fuel tank but also maintaining reasonable luggage space. Even though these revisions added some 250 pounds, the majority of which were 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 300 SL Coupe, the 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 was a dream to most when the car was new, and 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.

The car offered here, chassis number 198.042.10.003010, was built relatively late in the 300 SL production run, and it was desirably equipped by the factory with four-wheel disc brakes. Its original factory data card, a copy of which is on file, confirms that it is presently powered by the original engine. It was originally finished in Fantasy Yellow (DB 653) and fitted with accessory turn signals and an export license plate.

Following years in Connecticut and California ownership, the car underwent a complete four-year restoration by renowned 300 SL specialists at Rudi & Company, of Victoria, British Columbia, which was completed in the spring of 2010. Typical of their work, every nut and bolt is now in outstanding overall condition, and the car features a sparkling Silver Metallic finish and a tight Lipstick Red interior. The dashboard is well-finished, with crystal-clear gauges in a beautifully restored fascia. Correct stickers and detailing are present under the hood, with all plates and stamped numbers present in the correct locations, as expected. Enthusiasts will note the popular bubble-style, European-specification headlight lenses, and its mileage is recorded at 12,327, likely having rolled over prior to restoration.

This Roadster is still fitted with an original removable hardtop in the body color, which is a most desirable option, as well as aviation-type lap belts and beautiful color-matched luggage, and it is accompanied by original books, tools, and a jack.

The 300 SL Roadster was the grandest automobile in the world when it was built, and this example shows why.