The 300SL roadster model’s 3.0-liter M198 inline-six was carried over from the fixed-roof variant and shares its canted orientation, Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication, and aluminum cylinder head. The competition camshaft that was optional on the coupe was made standard for the roadster, which also gained a dual point/dual coil ignition system and various fuel system refinements. This example’s engine have been overhauled during the current owner’s refurbishment, which also included a rebuild of the injection pump. An oil change was performed in 2024.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via an all-synchromesh four-speed manual transmission. The roadster’s four-wheel independent suspension utilizes a single-pivot rear axle with a compensator spring for improved stability over the coupe’s double-pivot design.
The ivory-color steering wheel is accented by a chrome horn ring and frames VDO instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and a rectangular combination gauge with English lettering.
The five-digit odometer shows 750 miles, the gauges were rebuilt by Palo Alto Speedometer in 2010.
