1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Convertible

One of THE most highly desirable collector cars in the world, the Mercedes Benz 300SL is a legend. As with the famed Gullwing, Max Hoffman, the infamous U.S. importer of Mercedes , thought the 300SL roadster was just what the world needed in 1957. He was exactly correct. In many ways the 300 SL was the first true SL as we know it today. Built atop the same basic frame, using the same basic drive train and having a body similar to the coupe, the roadster nonetheless projected its own aura of dignity, elegance and power.

To build the roadster, Mercedes strengthened the center tunnel portion of the chassis and the sides were revised to allow the fitment of conventional doors. The rear suspension was tamed somewhat by moving the pivot points for the swing axles lower in the chassis and by adding a supplementary spring mounted transversely above the differential and linked to the axles via vertical struts. Also improving the handling were wider front and rear tracks and wider tires.

The roadster also benefited from engine refinements, including a new camshaft and a higher (9.5 to 1) compression ratio, that bumped output to 235 horsepower. But it also weighed over 200 pounds more than the coupe, which meant performance was virtually identical.

From the outside, the most readily apparent differences between the coupe and roadster (besides the obvious decapitation) were the adoption of a wraparound-style windshield and new bezels that grouped the headlights, side marker lights and turn signals into a single, very attractive unit. Less obvious was the incorporation of a real, usable trunk.

Absolutely awesome, this particular 300 SL is red with tan and includes factory hard and soft tops, fitted luggage and so much more.