1957 300SL Gullwing or Roadster? Mercedes-Benz introduced a Roadster version of the 300SL at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show. The 1957 Mercedes Benz 300SL model effectively replaced the popular Mercedes 300SL Gullwing coupe, which was retired that year. Priced at $11,000, it was more expensive than the outgoing coupe and offered a host of upgrades. Like the Gullwing, the roadster featured roughly the same engineering underneath, but the body was changed to incorporate regular doors. Detail differences included larger front fenders, larger European headlights, a small grille, a rounder front windscreen and a chrome accent strip running down the side of the car.
Much like the Coupe, the 1957 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster was available with a wide variety of options, some of the most popular included the hardtop, Rudge wheels, and fitted rear luggage.
The 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL stands as a pinnacle of postwar automotive engineering and design, coveted by collectors for its rarity, performance, and unmistakable presence. Whether you own a final-year Gullwing coupe or an early Roadster, selling such a prized vehicle comes with unique questions and concerns. At Beverly Hills Car Club, we’ve spent over 20 years guiding sellers through this process, ensuring peace of mind and the best possible outcome.
Originality is everything in the classic Mercedes world. Matching engine and chassis numbers, original color codes, and factory documentation all play a role in establishing provenance. Special features, like fitted luggage or rare interior trims, can further enhance desirability.
The 1957 Gullwing is the last of its kind, with only 70 built that year, making it especially collectible. The Roadster, introduced in 1957, features conventional doors, a revised chassis for easier entry, and a more refined ride. Both share the W198 platform and legendary engineering, but the Roadster’s enhancements make it more practical for regular use.
Value depends on originality, documented history, condition, and current collector demand. The 1957 models, especially pristine Gullwings and well-specified Roadsters, are among the most valuable postwar classics. Beverly Hills Car Club’s team tracks market trends and auction results to provide expert, up-to-date appraisals.
Auctions and online platforms charge significant fees, offer no guarantees, and expose you to unpredictable outcomes. Private sales can be time-consuming, risky, and may attract unqualified or even fraudulent buyers. Security, paperwork, and ensuring a smooth transaction are all major concerns.
Classic car auctions may promise excitement and exposure, but they come with substantial commissions and no guarantee of a successful sale. Sellers must often invest in costly transportation and preparation, only to risk their car not meeting reserve or selling below market value. With only a small window to attract the right bidder, outcomes are unpredictable, and profits can be eroded by fees and commissions.
Online platforms like Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids have made selling classics more accessible, but they introduce new risks. Sellers may face disputes over condition, hidden buyer’s premiums, and the challenge of accurately representing a rare car online. Emotional bidding wars can inflate prices for buyers, but sellers may still end up with unexpected costs, cancellations, or negative feedback if the buyer feels misled.
Dealing with anonymous or little-known buyers-whether through classifieds or online ads-can expose you to scams, fraudulent payments, and misunderstandings about a car as complex as the 300SL. Without the backing of a reputable business, sellers have little recourse if something goes wrong, and the process can be stressful and risky.
Private sales can take weeks or months, requiring you to handle all paperwork, payment, and logistics yourself. Finding a qualified, serious buyer for a rare 1957 300SL is challenging, and negotiating high-value transactions with strangers introduces personal and financial risks.
If you’re searching for “Sell my 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL,” “Who buys 1957 Mercedes Gullwing,” or “How to sell a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing,” Beverly Hills Car Club is your trusted buyer. Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation offer, and let our team of classic car experts make your selling experience seamless and rewarding.
When you’re ready to sell, The Beverly Hills Car Club wants your business! We pride ourselves on no-hassle service, top prices paid, and immediate payment and pick-up. And be sure to browse the Cars We Love category to explore detailed articles, photographs, and Buyer’s Tips.
1954 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing
1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing
1956 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing
1957 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing
1957 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster
1958 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster
1959 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster
1960 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster
1961 Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadster
The 1957 model year marks a turning point for the 300SL. Only 70 Gullwing coupes and 618 Roadsters were produced that year, making either variant a rare find. The Gullwing’s iconic upward-opening doors and the Roadster’s improved usability both appeal to different types of collectors. Both are powered by the legendary 3.0-liter straight-six engine, with the Roadster benefiting from mechanical enhancements like a higher-output camshaft and improved rear suspension, making it both a performer and a pleasure to drive. The 300SL’s motorsport pedigree, including SCCA class wins and privateer racing successes, further cements its blue-chip status.
“At first I was apprehensive about doing transactions via online because of so much fraud on the internet. I must say I am very impressed with the professionalism displayed by Alex and his staff. The entire process was seamless. Alex and his staff guided the process via phone and email with step by step instructions. When Alex said he will pay top dollar for an automobile; he will do just that. I am beyond satisfied with the services provided by Alex!! I wish I had another car to sell.”
“I contacted Alex to see about selling my project car. He was very professional and easy to work with. The whole experience was very good and handled very well.”
“Gevik was very helpful. He has a pleasant manor and responds to emails without delay.”
“I contacted Alex because my cherished Mercedes had fallen into disrepair when I lost my income due to the Covid panic. I had owned it for more than 20 years and had enjoyed driving it, but I could no longer afford to keep it in good shape. It still looked new, but I knew that the longer it sat undriven the more it would deteriorate so I knew it was time to sell. Alex offered me a fair price for it and the transaction was smooth. Everything was handled professionally and quickly. I hope someone else can enjoy the car as I have.”
“Dealing with Alex was so easy and professionally managed I thought there may be a catch, but there wasn’t. This transaction was completed so easily and thoroughly I was somewhat amazed. The price he paid was fair and I have come away from the experience feeling very good. I highly recommend him!”
“I decided to part with my 240 D I bought in 1981 and wanted her to have a good home and future. I had the good fortune to deal with Alex himself and was so impressed with his professionalism and thoughtful demeanor that I was completely at ease about parting with a car that had been a part of my life for 40 years. He and his team were amazing in executing the transaction and in fact the money was in my bank the the old girl was on her way to California in 24 hours. Hats off to Alex and his team and a good future for my old friend.”
“I had the task of selling a 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL that my parents gifted me in 2017. This car meant a lot to my parents as it gave them a lot of fond memories. As this car was not a practical car for me to drive and maintain, I decided to sell it with my parents permission and blessing. The only thing my parents asked is that it was important to them that the car go to a good home so to speak. My ex-husband and I started the search. Due to COVID 19 I did not feel comfortable going on test drives with strangers, so we went on-line and contacted several brokers. I’m happy to say that Alex Manos and his staff made the transaction seamless.”
“Alex is very easy to work with and very professional and responsive. I snapped some pictures of my car and uploaded to the website, and had an offer and the money in my account, before the car was picked up the next day. Easiest way to sell a car.”
“Great gentleman, very easy to communicate and fast on delivering on docs and other items. Thank you!”
Or email via our website and we’ll go over all you need to know to sell your classic!
Just send a few photos, this is often all we need to make an offer.
You get you paid, and then we’ll pick up the vehicle – IT’S THAT SIMPLE!