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.
“I contacted Alex to sell my 1975 Mercedes 450sl. The sale went smoothly and picked up the vehicle the same day. Thanks Alex!”
“I am pleased to have sold my 1970 280SL vintage car this week to Alex Manos. He dealt in a prompt and positive manner in informing me what photos, etc he needed and within a few days had made me a satisfactory offer. I’m a senior Lady and not as computer savvy, yet he was patient in answering all my concerns. The pick-up of my car was swift and most importantly my money was in my bank account promptly! Kudos to Allison who also answered my questions and David the driver who picked up my car. Excellent treatment in this age where Customer Service is almost extinct.”
“Alex Manos and his team were extremely efficient and professional from the time of the initial phone conversation to vehicle pick up! I would certainly recommend Alex to anyone wishing to sell a classic vehicle.”
“Alex, thank you so much for stepping up to help. I lost my brother July 2018. In his will he asked that I sell his things and use the proceeds to help our handicapped nephew. One of the items was the 1962 Mercedes 190SL which you bought. The process was quick and easy and I believe I got a fair price. Best wishes to you and your staff.”
“I have been spending a ton of time going through my parent’s estate. We came upon my dad’s 1969 Mercedes Benz 280SL just sitting in one of our buildings, and did not even know that it was still here. I captured a few pictures and sent it out to Alex Manos. I had no idea of its worth, or really had zero knowledge on that car whatsoever. Within less than a minute (seriously), he called me, and we spoke on the phone. He put me at ease immediately, and gave me a wonderful and fair price on the car. It only took that phone call, a couple of verification, and signing a bill of sale electronically, and he had my sale price wired to my account within an hour. He also set up the transportation arrangements at no cost to me, I only had to overnight the title and estate paperwork. He waited until the funding cleared my bank before setting up a pickup time. I was impressed with Alex and his entire crew of people, and even the transportation guy showed patience while I cried over seeing it get loaded since it was the car I learned to drive in. I bid a huge THANK YOU for making this sale/purchase easy and lucrative, and above all HONEST. That is a rare quality in the automotive industry. I will recommend him to everyone I know, and to everyone I don’t know! Old-school, honest, and knowledgeable = Alex Manos and his associates.”
“I was the middleman trying to help my father-in-law sell his 1962 Mercedes 300d. I put feelers out to several potential buyers from coast to coast. Alex was the most professional and the quickest to respond each time we communicated. I didn’t expect that selling an antique car on the opposite coast could be so easy. Alex clearly has the system down and his assistant Allison did a fantastic job of maintaining communication and answering questions along the way. I would certainly recommend that anyone looking to sell a classic or collectible car contact Alex. I don’t think you will be disappointed.”
“Alex was very professional and knowledgeable of the vehicles and was fair in the buying process everything proceeded without a hitch he took Care of all the shipping and paperwork much easier than trying to sell the car yourself and deal with lookers and not buyers. I would sell him another car without a second thought.”
“Almost to easy, Alex & Allison make it painless & very up front & professional. Alex under stands peoples connections with their cars & makes a fair offer. Great people to deal with!”
“ABSOLUTE PROFESSIONALISM!”
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You get you paid, and then we’ll pick up the vehicle – IT’S THAT SIMPLE!