The Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster

Part of the art of the vehicle came from the 300 (W188 II), also known as "Adenauer Mercedes". On the right is a 300 S (W188).

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1957, Mercedes-Benz introduced the successor to the doors of the 300 SL coupe before Roadster (W 198 II). Maximilian E. Hoffman had requested this vehicle from the outset for the U.S. market, he saw an open carriage for greater opportunities than a coupe. Technically, the roadster is similar to the coupe. Modification of the lateral parts of the space frame made it possible to reduce the entry level to the point that normal doors were realized. Basic was also improves the rear suspension: It is now provided with a single-joint swing axle with low pivot point and a balance spring. Compared with the original swing axle of the Gullwing coupe is a significant improvement in ride quality.

Removable coupé roof and disc brakes

From October 1958 there as an option a removable coupé roof which is available at a price of DM 1,500 and can be optionally retrofitted. Of the technical changes that are included in the course of six years in production, two are particularly noteworthy: In March 1961, the 300 SL Dunlop disc brakes replaced the front and rear wheels, and in March 1962 a modified engine with light alloy engine block installed .

8th February 1963: The End of an Era

The production of the 300 SL was running concurrently with the construction of the 190 SL on 8 February 1963 in Sindelfingen. This date marks the end of an era: After already in March 1962, the production of the type had been set 300, then disappeared with the 300 SL, the last passenger car model with a separate frame from the production program of Mercedes-Benz. Successor to the 300 SL, the 230 SL "Pagoda", the Mercedes-Benz is presenting in March 1963 at the Geneva Motor Show to the public.

Gives the first 300 SL no longer there

The first 300 SL racing sports car, the premiere vehicle from 1952, no longer exists: it was scrapped. The second car was built with the chassis number 194 010 0000 2/52 still exists. Since its completion, the vehicle is continuously in plant ownership, the adopted "/ 2" on various parts of his original testimony. During the painstaking restoration work, from Mercedes-Benz Classic all parts of the completely disassembled vehicle were examined. Everything was to the highest standards of originality and quality reconditioned. "A clear objective was to preserve the substance and patina of the racing sports car. Now, the 300 SL with chassis number 2 shines in new splendor - and shows it proudly traces its exciting vehicle life, "says Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic.
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