1959 Mercedes-Benz 300-SL
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carrozzeria
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Convertible
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trasmissione
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Manual
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colore esterno
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Red
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tappezzeria
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Leather
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sterzo
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Lhd
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1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Any discussion of the greatest automobiles of all time must certainly include the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Initially conceived as a purebred racing car, the 300SL "Gullwing" racked up victories across Europe and the Americas and captured the attention of one Max Hoffman, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz automobiles to the USA.
Faced with burgeoning demand from wealthy clients in the critical US market, the ever-compelling Hoffman managed to persuade the board of directors in Stuttgart to develop the 300SL for the road. Quite remarkably, the road car remained faithful to the original concept, retaining its complex tubular space frame chassis designed by Rudolph Uhlenhaut, necessitating the signature "gullwing" doors – and birthing an icon in the process. Despite its eye-watering asking price of $11,000 in 1955, Mercedes-Benz shifted 1,400 Gullwing Coupes, making it a tremendous success.
Clearly the 300 SL 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 300 SL Roadster was first exhibited at the Geneva Salon in May 1957 and was an immediate hit with the 1950s 'Jet Set' of royalty, actors, and socialites. The production of an open 300 SL 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 Roadster's neutral steering characteristics received fulsome praise from Road & Track in its 1958 road test: "With the low-pivot rear suspension and more adhesive tyres, the car handles beautifully under all conditions. This is a tremendous improvement over the gullwing models, which had a tendency to oversteer rather violently if pressed too hard." A 0-60mph time of 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 130mph were recorded, making the 300 SL Roadster one of the fastest convertibles of its time. R&T concluded: "There is no doubt that the 300 SL roadster is a truly great dual-purpose sports car, equally at home in traffic and the open road, or on the track", words that remain equally true today.
The 300 SL Roadster sold well for a car that cost more than a Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, and would outlive the 300 SL Gullwing Coupé, which ceased production in 1957, by several years. Roadster production ceased in 1963 after 1,858 cars had been built, some 70% being exported to the USA, and today the model is both rare and highly sought after.
This fabulous 1959 roadster has just arrived, and more details are coming soon. The car is a California Mille veteran, and is finished in the iconic color scheme of red over black leather, and features include a Becker Mexico radio and tool roll. A complete description is forthcoming. Please call us for details.
Offers welcome and trades considered
$ call for price
Stock number 7898
For immediate assistance please call us at +1-314-524-6000
