1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL W198

• The 1957 Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL W198 hits with its open‑top presence, dropping the gullwing in favor of graceful flow.

• Understated curves hide a potent 3.0 L direct‑injection engine with 215 hp—leaps beyond ordinary road cars.

• Repositioned rival to Ferrari’s roadsters and Aston Martin DB series—but without shouting about it.

First Sight: Fluid, Not Flaunting

Photos land. The 1957 Mercedes‑Benz 300 SL W198 rolls in without gullwing drama, but with elegance. The lines read longer now—2.4 m wheelbase stretched across a 4.57 m body, sitting just 1.3 m tall. It’s lean, poised, and modern-looking even by today’s standards. That elongated hood and the cabin set back—it whispers rather than shouts.

Surface Cues & Stance

Surfacing is smooth. No sharp creases, just gentle arches over the wheels. The roadster’s top folds neatly, and with the optional hardtop, the silhouette stays taut. Chrome surrounds the windshield and dives down the A-pillars—keeps things refined. The stance is wide and balanced, hinting at stability. No glamour, just understatement and firmness.

Under the Long Hood

Lift the press shots’ hood and the 3.0 L inline-six is front and center. Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection gives 158 kW (215 PS) at about 5,800 rpm. That power sends it to a top speed near 250 km/h (155 mph). Torque is 275 Nm at 4,600 rpm. Paired with a 4-speed manual driving the rear wheels—this is a driver’s car, no question. Suspension is independent all round, benefiting from lessons learned with the coupe. Sturdy, yet nimble.

Cabin & Context

We only see teasers of the cockpit, but you can tell quality is high—leather seats, minimalist dash. It’s sporty, but not stripped. Fine for road trips or weekend jaunts. Global appeal is baked in: luxury but usable in Europe, the U.S., wherever.

Rivals: Understated Challenge

Ferrari 250 GT and Aston Martin DB2/DB3 were taking the stage then. This Mercedes isn’t about beating them loud-and-clear. Instead, it shows measured confidence—better brakes later, improved rear swing axle geometry. It’s quiet muscle. And it had racing creds: the Ravenhead-developed 300 SLS specials and successful competition campaign.

Technical Specification

• Performance

  • Power: 215 PS (158 kW / ~213 hp) at 5,800 rpm

  • Torque: 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) at 4,600 rpm

  • Top speed: approximately 250 km/h (155 mph)

  • 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): around 8.9 seconds

• Body Measurements

  • Length: 4,569 mm (179.9 in)

  • Width: 1,791 mm (70.5 in)

  • Height: 1,300 mm (51.2 in)

  • Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in)

  • Front track: ~1,397 mm (55.0 in)

  • Rear track: ~1,448 mm (57.0 in)

  • Curb weight: ~1,330 kg (2,932 lb)

• Powertrain

  • Engine: 3.0 L M198 inline‑6, single overhead camshaft, Bosch mechanical direct injection

  • Displacement: 2,996 cm³ (182.8 cu in)

  • Compression ratio: 8.55:1

  • Transmission: 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

  • Brakes: Drum brakes initially; front and rear disc brakes introduced from 1961

  • Suspension: Independent front suspension (double wishbones), rear swing axle

  • Tires: 6.50–15 bias-ply

• Capacities

  • Fuel tank: 100 L (including a 9 L reserve)

  • Cooling system: approx. 15.5 L

  • Engine oil system (dry-sump): approx. 15 L

  • Ground clearance: ~127 mm (5 in)

• Price

  • Original German market price: approx. 29,000 Deutsche Mark at launch (1954 for coupe, continuing into 1957 roadster)

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