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.
“You know, I am not sure I would call my interactions with the Alex Manos Group a ‘customer service’ contact but rather a ‘customer focused’ contact. Parting with my beloved 27 year-owned 1988 Mercedes Benz 560SL roadster was one of the potentially toughest tasks I have faced in a long time. But Valarie Van Dam and the team (thanks Salina, Camille and Derek) were so personal, professional and efficient that I immediately felt like one of the family. How many car transactions fall into that category….none in my decades on earth. The transaction, the pricing, the follow up, the paperwork, the transportation arrangements from the East Coast to LA…..all flawlessly handled. I am anxious for my 560 to find a new home and I am sure this team will do just that. I have not spoken with Alex but I can truly say that he has built a fine organization based on what we as clients want….honesty, transparency, efficiency and a caring attitude. Thank you Valarie for spearheading this transaction as you took a stressful moment in my life and made it somehow pleasant….amazing! I highly recommend Valarie and the entire team to be your ‘go to’ for classic car transactions!”
“Perfect!”
“Prima nette, schnelle, freundliche und kompetente Beratung.”
“The whole team made this a seamless transaction. What a group of professionals! These folks go above and I appreciate all the help they provided. Very fair price as well. Highly recommend them!”
“I’m in my mid 70’s and I knew deep down I was never going to get these 3 cars running again which I neglected for many years after I purchased an older boat. They were a 69 and 70 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 and and 86 Mercedes 560SEC. Alex agreed to purchase all 3 with very little haggling. I probably didn’t get top dollar for the cars but the transaction was very easy and I really needed the space in my garage and at my commercial property. I got what I asked and was promptly sent the monies even before the cars were picked up. His staff was very professional about getting all the paperwork done and arranging the transportation. In less than 2 weeks after my initial call to Alex, the cars were picked up and shipped from Everett, WA to Los Angeles. Selling these cars has given me a lot of peace of mind.”
“After my father’s passing I became the new owner of a classic car – a 1966 Mercedes-Benz – and it seemed that everyone had advice for me on its value, and how I should go about selling it. The only voice of reason through the whole process was Alex Manos. Alex and his team make the experience of selling a classic car straightforward and easy. When life got busy and I didn’t return Alex’s email, he would call me to follow-up. Alex had answers for every one of my questions, and when we made the deal, the money was wired to our account within minutes. Of all of the issues I had to work through during the settling of my father’s estate, selling his classic car was the easiest and most positive experience, all thanks to Alex and his team. If you’re wondering whether to work with Alex Manos to buy or sell your classic car, I recommend him highly. An absolutely frictionless experience, from beginning to end. Thank you Alex & team!”
“When it was time to sell a classic project car, Alex and BHCC gave me the best offer, provided all of the paperwork, made all of the arrangements for shipping, and paid me in less than a day. I couldn’t get over and smooth and easy everything was. I would happily sell to BHCC again!”
“Great service awesome show room fantastic experience!”
“Excellent service at every level. From my initial contact with Alex through the pickup of my vehicle here in Tulsa OK. No gaps. No irritants. All positive interactions with his staff. Well done!”
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