First unveiled in March of 1957 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes 300 SL Roadster designed by the famed Friedrich Geiger would soon become the most prestigious German drop top grand tourer of the century. Today, the 300 SL is one of the most desirable classic cars, with prices nearly always surpassing the seven figure mark.
As common with many German automakers at the time, Mercedes had spent several years following the second world war resecuring their position as a world leader in automotive manufacturing. Between the combination of the 300 SL coupe & roadster coupled with their championing return to Motorsport. Mercedes quickly reassumed their position as a name synomnous with the best. The eye catching success of the 300 SL proved particularly helpful in the brands re-established perception in the United States, increasing Mercedes’ annual sales in the US market from under 100 vehicles (pre WW2) to over 6,000 in 1957.
Production ran from 1957 to 1963 with a base price of around $10,000 USD (one of the most expensive cars of the time). Despite the cars high price, Mercedes still managed to sell on average over 300 examples per year. Eventually being succeeded by the “W113” series SL or better known as the “Pagoda”.
