1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Photos, engines & full specs

This is one of the most influential cars in Mercedes-Benz history, and despite being produced in less than 2,000 units, it still represents a milestone in the German automaker's legacy.

After it made the famous 300 SL "Gullwing" in 1954, the German automaker was surprised by the car's success, especially in the United States. Moreover, with its up-lifting doors, the coupe was a high-performance vehicle that won enough races to become a legend in the world's Cars Hall of Fame. Then, in 1957, Mercedes-Benz understood the need for a roadster version of the 300 SL and produced the open-top version, which it launched in 1957. That version was also available in racing specs, known as the SLS, adapted for U.S. competitions.

The car's exterior showed a front fascia featuring tall headlights that gathered the main round headlamps with the turn signals above them and the parking lights underneath. Vehicles sold in the U.S. sported a chromed trim that surrounded the exposed main headlamps and the parking lights. Both versions were fitted with a chromed bumper. On the car's grille, the three-pointed star badge took center stage and was supported by a horizontal slat.

The 300 SL Roadster featured front fenders similar to those found on the 300 SL Gullwing, featuring flared wheel arches that sported a crease above them. Behind them, the automaker placed exhaust vents adorned by chromed horizontal slats extended onto the doors. The slim A-pillars supported a curved and almost vertical windshield. Thanks to the graceful waistline that waved towards the back of the car, with a slight upper section above the rear wheels, the 300 SL Roadster couldn't go unnoticed. Finally, at the back, Mercedes-Benz installed small horizontal taillights above the rear bumper.

Mercedes-Benz created a cabin fit for two adults, with leather upholstery and bolstered areas. The automaker installed a center console that housed the gear stick between them. In front of the driver, the automaker installed a small-sized instrument cluster that sported round dials for the speedometer and tachometer, and between them, it fit four gauges for the oil pressure and temperature, water temperature, and fuel level, plus a few warning lights. The car was available with a removable hard top that could be left in the garage, but the rag-top was always there, concealed behind the cabin. Customers could get bespoke luggage cases that perfectly fit in the car's trunk. Among other options offered to customers was a Becker Mexico radio factory-mounted inside the dashboard.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz installed the same inline-six powerplant as in the 300 SL Gullwing. It was the same engine fitted in the luxurious limousine 300 S "Adenauer." It churned out enough power to make the 300 SL Roadster the fastest open-top vehicle in the world. Customers could option the car with racing-spec suspension and a racing camshaft, albeit only a few opted for that. After all, it was a fast open-top grand tourer, not a race car, even though it could be both.