Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (1957)

Created to spearhead Mercedes-Benz's return to competition in the post-war era, the 300SL debuted in the 1952 Mille Miglia, finishing 2nd and 4th overall. Wins in the Carrera Pan-Americana and at Le Mans followed, and the 300SL was on its way to becoming part of motor sporting legend. The first racers were open-topped but before the '52 season's end the distinctive gull-wing doored Coupé had appeared. Unusually high sills were a feature of the multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, and while access was not a problem of the open car, the adoption of coupé bodywork required innovative thinking - hence the gull-wing doors.

Launched in 1954, the production 300SL retained the spaceframe chassis of the racer and was powered by a 2,996cc, overhead-camshaft, inline six canted at 45 degrees to achieve a lower, more aerodynamic bonnet line. Using innovative direct fuel injection, this state-of-the-art power unit produced 215bhp at 5,800rpm. A four-speed gearbox transmitted power to the hypoid bevel rear axle. Suspension was independent all round by wishbones and coil springs at the front, with swing axles and coil springs at the rear. Tested by the highly respected American magazine Road & Track in 1955, the 300SL accelerated from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, going on to achieve a top speed of 140mph: outstanding figures for its day. It was, arguably, the world's first supercar.

Clearly the 300SL Coupé would be a hard act to follow yet the Roadster version, introduced just three years later, succeeded in bettering its closed cousin's already exemplary road manners. Built with conventional doors, the 300SL Roadster was first exhibited at the Geneva Salon in May 1957 and was an immediate hit with the 1950s 'jet set' including royalty, actors and socialites. The production of an open 300SL involved altering the cockpit area, where the spaceframe was redesigned to permit lower sills for improved access. At the same time the rear suspension was changed to incorporate low-pivot swing axles. The 300SL Roadster sold well for a car that cost more than a Ferrari 250GT California Spyder, and would out-live the 300SL Coupé by several years

This wonderful matching numbers 300 SL Roadster left the factory on 9th December 1957 to be sent to distributor Studebaker/Packard in South Bend, Indiana, USA. The original colour scheme was Hellblau with white leather interior and beige hood. Other original features listed include instruments in English/miles, sealed-beam headlights, 'Made in Western Germany' plaques, Becker Mexico radio, reversing light, and a 3.89:1 ratio rear axle.

It is understood that this 300 SL had just two keepers in the USA, moving from Indiana to Bayshore, New York for its second custodian, Mr Rager. Rager would keep the 300 SL until 1989 when it was sold back to Germany with just 33,000 miles to a specialist restorer, Mr Kaesmacher of Dusseldorf.

At that time the car was re-trimmed in Cognac leather and was also fitted with European headlamps and a new black soft-top. The engine and gearbox were overhauled and other mechanical works carried out by Kaesmacher. 2011 saw the car move to 300 SL specialists HK Engineering who carried out further documented works to the car. Shortly thereafter, the car was purchased by noted expert Ivan Page-Radcliff who imported the car into the UK.

Page-Radcliff’s subject expertise was unrivalled, with a career that had started out selling 300 SL from Brooklands Motor Cars in period. As a man who sold over 100 300 SL Gullwings, he certainly knew how to find a great example. In 2013 the 300 SL was sold to a French collector where it would remain for a further two years ahead of return and reimportation to the UK by the current owner in 2015. In the past ten years, this example has been used sparingly, received routine maintenance by DK Engineering and more recently, Riverside Engineering.

As confirmed by Martin Cushway in January 2025, all numbers on this 300 SL roadster match the original data card; chassis, engine, gearbox etc, including each of the wheels and the spare. It is understood that fewer than 50% of Roadster production retains its original gearbox today.

Today this example presents well, accompanied by its history folio and UK registration and is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.

• Supplied new in December 1957 to Studebaker Packard of South Bend, Indiana
• Originally ordered in Hellblau over White leather
• Subjected to a total restoration in 2010 with further works by HK Engineering in 2011
• Imported into the UK in 2013
• Formerly owned by noted expert Ivan Page-Radcliff
• Offered for sale from 10 years of ownership
• Numbers verified by Martin Cushway in January 2025 including gearbox of which fewer than 50% of production retain