1959 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster

The Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster is a classic and iconic sports car that was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1957 to 1963. It is the convertible version of the 300SL Gullwing coupe, which was introduced in 1954 and gained fame for its distinctive upward-opening gull-wing doors.

The 300SL Roadster retained the same stylish and elegant design as the Gullwing coupe, but it featured conventional doors and a soft-top convertible roof, making it more accessible and practical for everyday driving. The Roadster also underwent some modifications to enhance performance and comfort.

Under the hood, the 300SL Roadster was powered by a 3.0-liter, inline-six engine with fuel injection, which was advanced technology for its time. This engine produced around 215 to 240 horsepower, depending on the specific model and year of production. It was mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, allowing for spirited driving experiences.

The 300SL Roadster had a tubular spaceframe chassis, which was lightweight yet rigid, and it featured independent suspension on all four wheels, ensuring excellent handling and stability. The car had a top speed of approximately 135 to 150 mph (217 to 241 km/h) and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in just under 8 seconds, which was remarkable performance in the 1950s and early 1960s.

The interior of the 300SL Roadster was crafted with luxurious materials and attention to detail, offering a comfortable and refined driving experience. The car was also equipped with various optional features for its time, such as air conditioning, power windows, and leather upholstery.


Source: Bonhams, Conceptcarz, Supercars, Wikipedia, other

Specification
Production Start 1959
Country of origin Germany