1959 Mercedes Benz 300SL

The 300 SL Roadster succeeded the legendary Gullwing coupé in 1957, addressing that car’s challenging entry and egress with conventional doors while refining the chassis with a revised rear suspension geometry. Where the Gullwing’s high sills necessitated upward-opening doors, the Roadster’s redesigned tubular spaceframe permitted conventional openings, broadening the car’s appeal to buyers who prioritized practicality alongside performance. Production continued through 1963, with 1,858 roadsters built against 1,400 Gullwing coupés. The mechanical fuel injection system, derived from Mercedes-Benz’s wartime aviation technology and developed in conjunction with Bosch, remained a defining technical achievement—representing the first application of direct fuel injection to a series production automobile. By 1959, the Roadster had firmly established itself as the definitive open sports car for discerning drivers seeking both performance and refinement in equal measure.

This 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster presents in black (DB 040) over dark green leather, a striking color combination. Showing 70,000 miles on the odometer, this example retains its matching-numbers engine and transmission, with chassis number 7500677 corresponding to engine number 7500647 in the correct sequential relationship established by the Stuttgart factory. Panel fit throughout is consistent with period Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship, reflecting the hand-finished assembly process employed at Sindelfingen. The car rides on 15-inch Rudge wheels finished in matching black. Avon Radial Steel tires are currently fitted, offering improved grip and longevity over period crossply rubber while maintaining an appropriate visual character suited to the car’s vintage provenance.

The cabin is trimmed in dark green leather with perforated seat inserts, the bucket seats featuring carpet back panels as originally specified from the factory. This dark green interior presents a sophisticated contrast against the black exterior, a combination that would have been special-ordered from the factory options list. An ivory two-spoke steering wheel with chrome horn ring provides the driver interface, its color offering a subtle accent against the darker interior tones. The dashboard retains its full complement of original-type instrumentation, including the large central tachometer and speedometer flanked by secondary gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, water temperature, and clock. A Becker radio occupies its designated position in the center console, consistent with the premium audio equipment offered by Mercedes-Benz during this production period. The 300 SL script adorns the glove box lid as delivered from Stuttgart, a detail that distinguished the roadster variant throughout its production.

Power comes from the 3.0-liter inline-six with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, producing 215 horsepower in standard tune with the ability to rev freely to 6,100 rpm. The engine drives through the original four-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels via the single-pivot swing axle rear suspension that distinguished the Roadster from its Gullwing predecessor. This revised suspension geometry, incorporating a lower pivot point, offered more predictable handling characteristics at the limit while retaining the exceptional straight-line performance that defined the 300 SL experience. The dry-sump lubrication system permitted the engine to be mounted at a 50-degree angle, lowering the bonnet line and contributing to the car’s distinctive frontal appearance.

Accompanying documentation traces the car’s history through its carefully cared for life. A custom-fitted multi-piece luggage set in dark green leather is included, precisely matched to the interior specification and designed to nestle within the Roadster’s purpose-built luggage compartment. The factory tool kit accompanies the car, completing the accessories package. These items underscore the grand touring capability that distinguished the 300 SL Roadster as considerably more than a pure sports car, it was conceived and engineered for continental journeys undertaken in comfort, style, and at speeds that few contemporary automobiles could match.

This numbers-matching 1959 300 SL Roadster offers the opportunity to acquire a late-production example in an understated yet elegant color scheme, accompanied by its matched luggage set and factory tools. With its black exterior over dark green leather interior, this Roadster presents a refined specification suited to both concours display and spirited driving.