The 300SL is often credited for being the world’s first “supercar.” Why? To start, it’s beautiful, with flowing lines that are both elegant and aerodynamic. Climb onboard, and you’ll find premium luxury and top-shelf opulence. But more importantly, there’s a good deal of technological innovation and racing pedigree hiding just under the skin, which blesses the 300SL with truly world-beating speed. Throw in low production numbers and the car’s high desirability amongst collectors, and the formula starts to come together.
Prior to 1954, Mercedes was seen as a luxury make without much to offer when it came to performance. The 300SL changed that in a hurry. The name is a reference to the engine displacement (3.0-liters), while the SL stands for Sport Leicht, which is German for Sport Light. Originally offered as a coupe, the 300SL was the first of the SL-Class grand tourer models, and eventually, it morphed into an open-top roadster. Although it lost the highly recognizable gullwing doors, the 300SL Roadster managed to keep much of the speed and prestige of its predecessor, all while adding on-demand blue-sky freedom.
These days, Mercedes pays homage to its past with a variety performance models which recall the 300SL’s styling and sporty character, and while the speed and technology are there, none can match the style and grace of the original.
Continue reading to learn more about the 1957 Mercedes 300SL Roadster.
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