1957 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster Wins a Concours d’Elegance Award
Giancarlo Perlas January 29, 2014
Photo Source: Mercedes-Benz USA via Google+
The Concours d’Elegance is a French phrase meaning “competition of elegance”. It is an annual gathering of prestigious vehicles, which is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century France wherein nobles parade their prestigious horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris. But the age of automobiles has replaced the carts to elegant motorized vehicles.
In the most recent Concours d’Elegance at Arizona Biltmore, the 1957 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster was able to bag the award as the best post-war Mercedes-Benz.
Based on the photo released by Mercedes-Benz USA through Google+, the car definitely looks like a winner. It sports a glossy sky blue paint and specially-designed wheels with a blue plating bearing the classic Mercedes logo.
We are not sure what is under its hood though. But upon researching the rules of the modern Concours d’Elegance, the parts must be suitable for the production year and model of the car. After-market accessories and parts may be installed as long as they are within the historical period of the car.
Looking at historical records, the original version of the Mercedes 300 SL Roadster packs an output of 175 hp from its carburetor engine. This is lesser than its contemporaries from Jaguar and Ferrari. However, there were instances wherein the car was able to outrace its rivals in open road endurance races. Analysts claim that its resiliency and quickness during those events can be attributed to its light weight and low aerodynamic drag.
Today, the Mercedes 300 SL Roadster and Gullwing are among the most sought after cars by collectors. Based on recent auction results, these cars averagely sell around $1 million.
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