Mercedes 300 SL Roadster - 1960
W198
By the late 1950s, open-top two-seaters were so popular that Mercedes-Benz decided to convert the 300 SL (W198). In spring 1957 the legendary "Gullwing" was succeeded by the 300 SL Roadster, thus bringing the thrill of open-top driving to the range of high performance sports cars. Equipped with a new rear axle design, this model boasted state-of-art handling characteristics and in 1961 became the first Mercedes production car to be given disc brakes on all four wheels.
Concealed beneath the stylish bodywork, the space frame remained the roadster's loadbearing structure, although it featured a number of modifications. Lower at the sides, the new frame design now made conventional front-hinged doors possible. This not only made getting into and out of the car easier, it was also a key design prerequisite for any open top vehicle. Thanks to the frame's flatter rear-end and a redesigned fuel reservoir, the spare wheel was now stowed underfloor and the area beneath the boot lid could properly be called a boot. The soft top was easy to operate and was stowed under a purpose-built hatch behind the seats when not required.
From late 1958 Mercedes also optionally supplied an elegant and easy-to-fit hardtop to use when the weather turned colder. In 1957 a slimmed-down version of the 300 SL Roadster , the 300 SLS, made a number of headline grabbing appearances when Paul O'Shea won Class D of the American Sports Car Championship by a convincing cart.
Zoute Concours d'Elegance
The Royal Zoute Golf Club
Zoute Grand Prix 2016
Knokke - Belgium
Oktober 2016
Mercedes 300 SL Roadster - 1960
W198
By the late 1950s, open-top two-seaters were so popular that Mercedes-Benz decided to convert the 300 SL (W198). In spring 1957 the legendary "Gullwing" was succeeded by the 300 SL Roadster, thus bringing the thrill of open-top driving to the range of high performance sports cars. Equipped with a new rear axle design, this model boasted state-of-art handling characteristics and in 1961 became the first Mercedes production car to be given disc brakes on all four wheels.
Concealed beneath the stylish bodywork, the space frame remained the roadster's loadbearing structure, although it featured a number of modifications. Lower at the sides, the new frame design now made conventional front-hinged doors possible. This not only made getting into and out of the car easier, it was also a key design prerequisite for any open top vehicle. Thanks to the frame's flatter rear-end and a redesigned fuel reservoir, the spare wheel was now stowed underfloor and the area beneath the boot lid could properly be called a boot. The soft top was easy to operate and was stowed under a purpose-built hatch behind the seats when not required.
From late 1958 Mercedes also optionally supplied an elegant and easy-to-fit hardtop to use when the weather turned colder. In 1957 a slimmed-down version of the 300 SL Roadster , the 300 SLS, made a number of headline grabbing appearances when Paul O'Shea won Class D of the American Sports Car Championship by a convincing cart.
Zoute Concours d'Elegance
The Royal Zoute Golf Club
Zoute Grand Prix 2016
Knokke - Belgium
Oktober 2016