At the Geneva Motor Show of March 1957, Daimler-Benz unveiled a successor to its popular 300 SL coupé that showcased a host of technical developments engineered since the “Gullwing” entered production in August 1954. Most obviously, the new roadster differed from its predecessor with an open-top configuration, which had proven to be immensely popular in the 190 SL. While the roofless layout necessitated elimination of the namesake doors, the opportunity to redesign the platform allowed for a deepening of the doorways for easier entry and exit.

More importantly, the roadster’s chassis was designed to accommodate a new rear suspension with a lower pivot point. First seen on the W196 race cars and later implemented in the 190 SL, the new suspension vastly improved handling and was now finally being integrated into the company’s flagship sports car. Other mechanical refinements included the integration of the competition camshaft used in the NSL Gullwing race cars, which made the roadster’s engine more powerful than the standard motor in the 300 SL coupé. Despite these improvements in performance, the roadster was also more luxurious than the Gullwing, as it was standard-equipped with leather upholstery and offered with fitted luggage (the spare wheel was relocated to under the trunk), climate control, and a Becker radio.

In a road test of one of the first 300 SL Roadsters to reach the United States, the editors of Sports Cars Illustrated (the nascent Car and Driver) marvelled at the model’s convincing dual identity in their December 1957 issue. As writer Stephen F. Wilder opined, “With this car, the Germans have again managed to mix successfully the gracefully sleek tautness of Italian lines with the hard purposefulness of contemporary German styling . . . . This new 300 SL encompasses a racy blend of luxurious comfort, exuberant power, and especially nimble handling . . . . Perhaps it’s no longer amazing that a 3,000-pound luxury car should have such a surfeit of power, but to couple this with a lightness of control that amounts to delicacy is truly an astonishing engineering feat.” Projecting that the roadster “may well be 1958’s big threat in Class D ‘Production’ SCCA racing”, Wilder concluded that the model was destined to be “a sure-fire classic.”

Finished in an extremely rare factory paint colour, as well as a two-year nut-and-bolt restoration by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California, that was completed in 2014, this dynamic 300 SL is a highly authentic and beautifully presented example of the classic Mercedes roadster. According to an original factory delivery notice, chassis number 7500239 was finished in Erdbeerrot (code DB 543), the exceptionally unusual, wonderful colour of Strawberry Red Metallic. Available only during the roadster’s first production year of 1957, Erdbeerrot is believed to have been applied to no more than 30 examples, making it one of the rarest of all the 300 SL factory colours.

This sensational roadster was also equipped with instruments in miles, sealed-beam headlamps with separate marker lights, a Becker Mexico radio, and a 3.89:1 rear axle ratio (for superior acceleration). While the Mercedes’ early ownership history is unknown, the car had relocated to Japan by the early 2000s, and in 2005, it was re-imported to the United States. The roadster showed some evidence of prior restoration measures; however, the next owner opted for a comprehensive refurbishment care of one of the world’s preeminent authorities, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. The engine and transmission were completely rebuilt, while the steering box, suspension, and rear-axle were refreshed, as needed, all utilizing correct factory-approved new old-stock components or proper reproductions. The exterior was refinished in its rare and original Daimler-Benz colour, and the interior was reupholstered in tan leather and carpeting, as per original as well.

Renowned marque expert Jan Cumpton put on the finishing touches with the installation of a proper new soft-top, and aesthetics were further crowned with colour-matched Rudge knock-off wheels, and a two-piece fitted luggage set. The exhaustive two-year restoration to correct factory standards was completed in mid-2014, and the details were desirably documented in one of the Classic Center’s elegant books, complete with certificates of authenticity.

Purchased in 2014 by the consignor, a diverse collector based in Texas, this stunning 300 SL Roadster has been used very little over the last two years, as the owner wished to preserve the breath-taking restoration to the greatest possible degree. In addition to being ideally garaged and serviced as needed during the interim, the car has also been displayed at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.

Still presenting the immaculate benefits of the expert restoration, this beautiful Roadster is one of just 554 examples built during the model’s initial year of production. Its rarity is further compounded by the highly unusual Strawberry Red Metallic paint. Currently fitted with European-style sealed beam headlamps, and documented with authenticating paperwork and a restoration summary book from Mercedes-Benz Classic, this unique 300 SL Roadster is an exceptional example that would beautifully complement any marque collection or assemblage of post-war roadsters. With its 1957 build date, the car is also one of relatively few roadsters eligible for vintage driving events like the Mille Miglia Storico and the California Mille, and future ownership can expect an equally warm welcome at international concours d’elegance and Mercedes-Benz club events.