Convertible Week: 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

Following on to the 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500 we featured yesterday to kick off convertible week, here’s that car’s grandfather: the 300SL Roadster. Painted in a similar hue of black, this example for sale in Los Angeles has lived there most of its life, originally being sold in Europe. This is an early build 300SL roadster on its fourth owner, having undergone a repaint in 1981 along with a few other items being refreshed.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster on eBay

Year: 1957
Model: 300SL
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 33,000 mi
Price: Reserve auction

This car was bought brand new in Europe in 1957 and brought to Los Angeles California where the owner lived in 1957. He owned the car from new till his passing in the late 70’s. In 1979 his widow sold the car to a gentleman (second owner) that owned a dealership in Los Angeles which sold 300SLs brand new. In 1984 the 3rd owner bought the car and kept it till Nov 2005. I bought it in Nov ’05 and still own it now.

One of the first 50 300SL roadsters made in 1957

Matching numbers.

The car was painted once with a Lacquer paint in 1981. It looks original and shiny like a mirror when it’s polished. But has some cracks and scratches in the paint which give it an original look. All the panels are original and straight

The interior is all original except for the carpet which was changed in 1981 and the leather was dyed. The front seats a starting to tear

The soft top was changed a few years ago and is still perfect.

Mechanically the car is absolutely perfect. I spent lots of time and money getting it to run perfectly. All the work was done by 2 different Mercedes Master Mechanics.

This car has lived in the Los Angeles area almost all its life. It is very original unrestored. Over the years many experts have seen the car and were surprised at its originality.

Books, tools, spare, jack, records, tool kit, data card and hard top included.

You can contact me at sam818402@yahoo.com or 323-394-6478

Click on this link for more photos

https://picasaweb.google.com/100193301365955048352/1957300slr?feat=email#

The days of sourcing a W198 Roadster for under $1,000,000 seem to be fast coming to a close. The interesting thing, however, is that the Roadster version typically fetches less than the iconic Gullwing. This is in contrast to other open roofed vintage cars that are typically valued higher than their hardtop counterparts. This car is probably hovering around a condition 3 level in the eyes of Hagerty’s valuation tool, so my best guess would be this one might fetch somewhere in the $1 million to $1.3 million territory, possibly bringing a bit of a premium due to its early build status.

-Paul