The 300SL "gullwing" was a bargain... [PIC]

compared to this 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300sc Roadster (although 70 years later, prices have dramatically flipped). As the 50s began, Mercedes lost interest in their little postwar 190 series and decided to return to making a more powerful and luxurious automobile as a successor to their prewar 540Ks to again compete with the likes of Rolls-Royce. Using their race proven 3.0 liter 6 cylinder, they began their W188 series of sedans and cabriolets from 1951 to 1954, upgrading to the "b" series in 1955. This was about the time when the first postwar chancellor, Konrad Adenauer commissioned six eponymous "Adenauer" 300s in sedan, cabriolet and landaulet models that were loaded to the gills with luxury amenities. In 1957, Mercedes rolled out their upgraded W189 series that received some body modifications and now offered Bosch fuel injection to raise power output to 180 hp sharing many mechanical parts with the SL sports car. These cars were designed for the wealthy to enjoy their off-hours. Few of this series were built over their 3 year span and only 49 of the roadsters were built.