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 bought a car from Gevik 6 years ago and everything went smooth and wonderful. This time, the service and attention was outstanding!”
“I had a Mercedes barn find for sale (actually 2 different Mercedes) and contacted Alex. I have never sold a vehicle online before. Alex and his employees made the entire process very easy. They sent all the paperwork for us to complete, they were patient while we waited for the cashier checks to clear the bank, and then then sent someone to pick up the vehicles. They were a great group to work with and really put us at ease.”
“JD was amazing!”
“Dealing with Alex and his entire team was a real pleasure. I am still very busy at my business and his team helped me through the complete process. And more importantly, they were patient and understanding when I was busy. It was a real positive experience (although I miss my 250 SL a little)”
“This is the 3rd classic Mercedes that Valarie Van Dam has helped with with. Valarie is a true professional. I would recommend her to anyone considering selling a classic car through Alex Manos and the Beverly Hills Car Club. Everything went as planned and no hassles. Made the sale on Saturday and on Monday the funds were wired to my bank then when the funds cleared the bank the transport arrived 2 days later. You don’t have to worry about someone trying to steal your classic or rip you off. Very safe transaction and I would recommend using Valarie to ensure a safe and trouble-free transaction to anyone selling a car. Thank you to the Alex Manos team, job well done!”
“Gevik was very professional and answered all our questions quickly. He was helpful and also friendly.”
“As a Sr. Citizen looking to sell my cherished vehicle I had much anxiety. Once the initial contact was made from this company I knew I was in good, honest hands. Their customer service skills, patience with any technical requests were comforting. I could see I was working with a team who knew what they were doing. Each of them were knowledgeable and informed. Everything they said would happen during the transaction happened.When their driver arrived to complete the deal I was glad I chose this company to do business with.I am beyond pleased.”
“My experience with the Alex Manos staff was a dream come true after the nightmare of my husband’s sudden death. He had a 1979 280SL Euro model sedan that was cosmetically lovely but mechanically ‘frozen’. After scouring my local mechanics for help, I realized no one here had the resources, personnel or interest to take it on. I was told the only option was to sell it to a junk yard, where it would surely lay rusting into the mud as parts would not be available, and fixing it would be twice the cost of what it was worth. I contacted the Alex Manos company, and after an uplifting phone call with Valerie, we agreed on a sale. Immediately after, they coordinated transportation, Title transfer & bill of sale processes, and within a week it was on its way to CA. With great relief, I was assured the car wouldn’t be sold for scrap or parted out, that it would be detailed and fixed and sold…which felt like the best possible outcome for a weary widow liquidating assets toward closure of the estate. As I said in my letter to them, they are famous for ‘spinning straw into gold’ (as their many website photos prove) They are the one company with the resources, the personnel and the *heart* to restore treasured-yet-challenging vehicles, and I & my family recommend them without reservation and with grateful hearts.”
“In buying my car Alex and I faced a lot of hard work. The car had been in storage for 30 years, but a nice photo of it alerted him to its potential. The original title had been lost and this required many interactions with the California DMV to buy a replacement, with the receipt functioning to permit Alex to move forward with the purchase. Alex guided me expertly through all the necessary steps. And finally, when the time came for moving the car from the Sacramento area to LA, he had engaged a towing company which worked closely with me and the storage place to schedule the arrival of their truck–necessary because I live some distance from the storage place myself. It all went pretty smoothly, thanks to Alex’s expert and professional help.”
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