Produced from 1954 to 1963, the second generation of the Mercedes Benz 300SL includes the 1958 Mercedes Benz 300SL and is considered to be one of the most sought-after autos among European classic cars today. Generally speaking a road car comes first and a racing version follows, but the radical Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing that hit the market in 1954 was directly derived from the sports racing car that won the Carrera Panamericana and the 24-hours of LeMans in 1952. The road car retained the racing versions strong tubular frame with high sills and featured fully independent suspension and a fuel-injected version of Mercedes Bens 2,995cc single-overhead camshaft engine.
Fast, beautiful, and very expensive at nearly $9,000, only 1,400 of the exclusive coupes were built between 1954 and 1957. When the company introduced the 1958 Mercedes Benz 300SL, the open two-seater offered a modified frame and conventional doors. Power also went up slightly and the swing axle rear suspension was modified to improve handling. A very popular option for these cars was the snug hardtop, while the most notable changes during production where the introduction of four-wheel disk brakes in 1961 and an aluminum engine block by the end of 1962. By the time the Mercedes 300SL Roadster was discontinued in 1963, approximately 1,858 had been built.
The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL is a crown jewel among classic sports cars, renowned for its engineering brilliance, racing pedigree, and timeless design. As an owner considering selling, you’re not just parting with a vehicle-you’re passing on a piece of automotive history. Understanding what sets the 1958 300SL apart and how to navigate the selling process is crucial to ensuring your car finds the right home and you achieve a seamless, rewarding transaction.
Collectors admire the 1958 300SL for its:
Authenticity is paramount for collectors. Confirming matching engine and chassis numbers (look for the 198.042 prefix for Roadsters), original color codes, and factory documentation all add to your car’s provenance. Special features such as fitted luggage, the factory hardtop, and original manuals further enhance desirability and value.
The 1958 Roadster replaced the iconic Gullwing coupe, offering conventional doors, improved rear suspension for better handling, and roll-up side windows for increased comfort. While both share the same robust M198 engine, the Roadster’s refinements make it more usable for touring and rallies, and its rarity in certain configurations (such as original hardtop-equipped cars) adds to its appeal.
Buyers of high-value classics expect thorough documentation. Gather your car’s original manuals, service records, restoration receipts, and any provenance paperwork. Factory tools, fitted luggage, and hardtop (if equipped) are highly desirable and should be included in your listing.
Value is influenced by originality, condition, documented history, rare options, and current market demand. The 1958 model’s unique place in the 300SL lineage and its limited production make it especially valuable among collectors. Beverly Hills Car Club specializes in classic Mercedes-Benz and can provide a current, data-driven appraisal based on decades of market expertise.
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 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 1958 300SL is challenging, and negotiating high-value transactions with strangers introduces personal and financial risks.
When you’re ready to sell your 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL, you have options-but not all are created equal. Here’s why Beverly Hills Car Club stands above the rest:
If you’re searching for “Sell my 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL,” “Who buys 1958 Mercedes,” or “1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL values,” 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 1958 model year marks a turning point for the 300SL. Only Roadsters were produced that year. The Gullwing’s iconic upward-opening doors was replaced by the Roadster’s improved usability. 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 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!”
“Alex was a pleasure to deal with from the start. I made contact with him, came to an agreement on price, and within four days the car was picked up and on its way to him. I would highly recommend anybody that wants to sell a vintage car to contact Alex.it was a very positive experience from beginning to end and certainly much easier than trying to sell it on my own or going through an auction house!”
“Smooth transaction, class act.”
“From settling on price, to receiving payment and arranging pickup the service was excellent- highly professional.”
“Really fast service, friendly, knowledgeable and fair Entire transaction was worry free. Would definite use again”
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!