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.
“The transaction was smooth, the timeline for the completion of the transaction was pretty short. A check for the price of my vehicle was sent to me within 24 hours. Alex would only authorize the pick up of your vehicle after the check has cleared your bank account. I will do business again with Alex and his dealership is highly recommended for those who want to get top dollars for the classic or European vehicles regardless of the condition. Thanks again Alex and hope to do business with you soon.”
“I sold a classic 1969 Mercedes to Alex on March 16, 2021. The entire process of offer, counter offer and acceptance was quick and comfortable for me. I provided many (66) on-line pictures for his perusal which may have expedited the process. I included a picture of every defect I could visually locate. Along with his acceptance of my counter offer, he provided me with detailed information of what he was providing and what was required of me. He mailed me a cashier’s check (my choice) for the purchase price by next-day FedEx. He allowed for my choice of pick up date for the car in order to give me time to ensure his check to me was clear. That was reassuring and comforting to me and a big deal to me. His team kept me apprised every step of the way. His employees were superb and I was happy with the entire transaction.”
“I was considering selling my 1967 Mercedes 250SL and decided to call Alex Manos as I have seen his ads. Wasn’t sure about selling when I called but Alex made the process so easy and offered a fair price without any hassles. Thank You.”
“Very helpful! Very knowledgeable! Very busy on the day we were there! What an awesome assemblage of classic cars! A highlight on our short trip to Southern California.”
“My compliments to Alex Manos! The experience was professional, very easy and fast. The transporter was also very prepared and professional and thorough, just a very easy process and I highly recommend these folks.”
“I had a 62 Mercedes 190 SL That I had inherited from my father. The car looked to me to be in deplorable condition. I found an ad online from Alex Manos about wanting vintage vehicles like mine. After talking to Alex personally he was interested and wanted pictures of the vehicle. I sent him some pictures and he contacted me back and was interested in the car. He made me an extremely fair offer in my opinion and was very fast in sending a purchase agreement/ bill of sale and wired the money ASAP. He and his staff made the whole experience very easy on me and were very professional in every aspect of the deal. Alex is definitely a man of his word and a fair person to deal with. If I ever come across another vehicle he might be interested in I wouldn’t hesitate to deal with him and his staff again. Thank you Alex. I’m very pleased and impressed with every aspect of dealing with you and your staff.”
“Everything was great. The vehicle inspector was on time and very professional and knowledgeable. Alex’s office sent me my money into my account immediately and the funds were there 2 days before the car even left my property. Office staff sent me an email as to what to sign and where. Have done business with Alex before and nothing but smooth sailing from beginning to end.”
“Perfect experience. Class act and amazing for a first time buyer.”
“Selling my classic car to Alex Manos was the easiest thing I’ve ever done! I sent him pictures, he called me, and the deal was done over the phone. The money was in my account the next business day and the car was picked up a few days later. His assistant Roxanna walked me through the signing process which I really appreciated. I would highly recommend Alex and Beverly Hills Car Club to anyone looking to sell or buy a classic car.”
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