Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W198 1954 - CMC

This model faithfully recreates one of the earliest 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadsters, originally delivered to Madrid, Spain. As with the original vehicle, it features the distinctive passenger-side door without an external lock a unique characteristic of the earliest production examples. Around 1970, the car returned to Germany, where it remained in a private collection before undergoing a comprehensive restoration in 2000.

The model is presented in an open configuration to showcase its beautifully detailed interior, featuring leather upholstery, solid chrome trim, folding seats, adjustable sun visors, and an opening dashboard ashtray. It also includes the optional removable hardtop a highly sought-after factory accessory that transformed the open-top Roadster into an elegant coupé. Just like the original vehicle, the model can be displayed with either the removable hardtop or the soft-top compartment cover, while the hardtop can be placed on the included display stand.

This hand-assembled precision metal model consisting of more than 1, 050 parts representing exceptional craftsmanship with a finely detailed leather and chrome-trimmed interior, folding seats, movable sun visors, an opening dashboard ashtray, removable hubcaps, and retractable door handles, making it a remarkable collector's piece.

History (Original Vehicle):

Introduced at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W198 II) succeeded the legendary Gullwing following strong demand from U. S. importer Max Hoffman. While retaining the iconic styling of its predecessor, the Roadster featured a redesigned tubular spaceframe with conventionally hinged doors, an improved rear suspension for greater driving stability, and a fabric soft top that enhanced everyday usability. From 1961, it also became the first Mercedes-Benz passenger car to feature four-wheel disc brakes as standard.

Powered by a 215 hp 3. 0-litre fuel-injected inline-six engine, the 300 SL Roadster achieved a top speed of 250 km/h, making it one of the fastest and most advanced production sports cars of its era. Between 1957 and 1963, just 1, 858 examples were produced, establishing the 300 SL Roadster as a highly sought-after collector's car and laying the foundation for the legendary Mercedes-Benz SL lineage that continues today.