In mid-1956, sales of the 300SL Gullwing began to decline, prompting the management of Mercedes-Benz to consider a convertible version designed specifically for the Californian market. A prototype was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1957, and by May the factory had been converted for the production of roadsters.[5][31]

Because the gullwing coupe from which the roadster was derived did not have conventional doors, the alloy steel tubular frame was redesigned to lower the sills, create strong points for the door hinges, make room for a full-size trunk, and reinforce the frame to compensate for the loss of rigidity associated with the transformation from a coupe to an open car.[5][31] Despite following the coupe's example and using aluminum panels for the hood, trunk lid, door panels, sills, floor, and bulkhead,[31] the roadster gained 35 kg (77 lb) in weight, bringing the weight of the new car to 1.330 kg (2.930 lb).[32]

A roadster among many other cars
The roadster was produced from 1957 to 1963.
A hardtop roadster parked on the street
300 SL hardtop roadster
Mechanically, the power output of the M198 engine was increased to 240 hp (179 kW), and the rear suspension was improved by lowering the pivot point of the swing axle 87 millimeters (3,4 inches) below the differential centerline.[33] The resulting remarkable improvements in handling and ride comfort[5][31] did not go unnoticed by chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who had applied for the design for the coupe but had been rejected by the Mercedes board. The board chose to use an existing stock of about 3000 axle units to offset the already high production costs of the vehicle.[5]

Not only was the roadster significantly more user-friendly for the driver, but it was also easier to get in and out of.[34] It was available with custom leather luggage to maximize trunk space, which was gained by placing the spare wheel under the floor and reducing the fuel tank.

Originally, the roadster came with a stowable soft top. In September 1958, an optional, weatherproof hardtop became available.[5] This proved so attractive that, despite the considerable price of 1500 German marks, it became the most popular option. Mercedes even began offering the roadster without a soft top (with a discount of 750 German marks on the price of 34.000 German marks in 1958).[32]

Production ended in February 1963, after a series of 1858 roadsters - the last Mercedes-Benz car built on a separate chassis.

This Mercedes 300 SL presented here is a car delivered in the USA. The year of manufacture of the Roadster is December 1959.
It is a perfectly running car that still includes the original Owner's Manual and a brochure from that era. The red leather is still beautiful and contributes to the car's originality. The Mercedes looks very sleek and all body panels fit perfectly. We also found two emblems from Austria. Furthermore, maintenance invoices from HK-Engineering and a bill for four new Vredestein tires are included.
A new TUV inspection was recently due, valid until February 2028. It was successfully completed. A perfect 300 SL for the new owner. Our Roadster comes with German papers.

Metropole is unique: a 30.000m2 automotive experience with over 2 cars and trucks. The museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 400:10 AM to 00:16 PM. The showroom is open Wednesday through Friday from 00:10 AM to 00:17 PM, and Saturdays from 00:10.00 AM to 16.00:25 PM. We are located XNUMX km from the German border and are easily accessible by highway.
We can also arrange transportation for the car worldwide.

We speak Deutsch, we speak English, and of course also Dutch.