Vehicle Description
Extremely Rare 1956 Mercedes 300SC Sunroof Coupe: One of Only 98
300SC Coupes Built and One of as Few as 12 Optioned with the Rare
Factory Sunroof Of the 98 300SC coupes built, it is believed that
fewer than a dozen were carsassembled with the rare factory
optional sunroof. According to Mercedes-Benz production records and
a copy of the build sheet accompanying the car, chassis no. 6500070
was originally finished in graphite grey and trimmed in a special
upholstery combination of grey leather seats with matching grey
corduroy door panels and a grey headliner. The factory record also
confirms the rare and desirable Venti steel sunroof, which smoothly
retracts into the steel roofline when opened. The car was also
fitted with a Becker Mexico radio, windscreen washer, and a
rearview mirror.Restoration work was performed over two periods,
one in 1998, and more comprehensively in 2006. Today this
wonderfully finished 300SC is an excellent example of what makes
these iconic touring cars such captivating instruments of elegance.
At every turn, the hand-built ambiance of these cars exudes the
luxury and refinement that established Mercedes-Benz in the
pantheon of excellence. This example is very likely one of very few
built with a factory sunroof; a delightful feature that delivers a
refreshing open air feel inside the car when all side glass is
down, motoring at speed. The paint has good depth, glossy finish,
and is properly detailed and polished over the expansive surfaces.
There are some mild areas where the paint has succumbed to the
passage of time, including minor evidence of road use and some
lightsanding marks evident on close examination. Panel fit is quite
exemplary on the hood, trunk, and sturdy doors. The excellent
fitting body to fender bead lines, body trim, and door chrome trim
are quite nice. The chrome throughout is in very good condition,
with deep luster and clean, bright reflections, though some areas
show light hazing and minor flaws on the bumpers and a few areas,
visible only upon close examination. The upright grill is in
excellent condition, with one minor blemish on the drivers side
where the hood had previously slightly dimpled the inside corner of
the back edge. An impressive touch on the rear bumper is the German
pronouncement of the engine lurking under the hood Einspritzmotor,
subtly reminding those lurking behind of the powerful fuel-injected
engines that commanded both Nurburgring and the Autobahn. All
lenses, lighting, and glass are in excellent condition including
the windshield. The steel wheels are covered with beautifully
polished stainless wheel covers, with domed hubcaps painted to
match the elegant black exterior. The interior is a handsome
example of Mercedes-Benz quality showing refined leather finishes
with just a hint of relaxed use, inviting comfort and ease when
driving. The combined black leather and soft gray materials create
a subdued presence inside, softening the typically stark and somber
all black interior often found in cars of this scale. The factory
Becker Mexico radio remains installed in the dash, nestled beneath
the stately clock, flanked by instrumentation and expansive burled
wood finishes. The dashboard is exceptionally nice with very clean
gauges, high gloss lacquered wood, and a commanding steering wheel.
The trunk is outfitted with original matching custom leather
luggage, still retaining the factory finishes and hardware, now
showing a delightful patina emblematic of stately travels. The
engine compartment is in very good condition overall and properly
presented with correct parts, correct intake system,
fuel-injection, proper factory components, with attention to hard
lines, hoses, and electrical allowing for some modern updates. The
matching numbers engine and generally correct engine compartment
are quite tidy and properly finished; a difficult if not nearly
impossible challenge given the rarity and precision quality of
these mechanical parts, many of which are shared with the iconic
300SL Gullwing.The car starts easily and idles smoothly, though
regular use has been limited in recent years.Having been
thoughtfully enjoyed and serviced throughout ownership, only
minimal mileshave accumulated at various points during the past
decade. Once warmed up and underway,the driving experience is both
stately and composed, offering tremendous prestige whencasually
motoring, while making even a modest run for groceries an event of
kings. The ride engineering, braking, and responsive suspension
contribute to a luxury driving experience ofopulence and grace.
With plenty of luggage space for touring and an open sunroof
design,one is easily lured off the main highway into sunsets and
winery vistas, capturing days ofluxury motoring when arrivals were
predicated on delight and delays merely inspiredengaging dinner
conversation.Inspection of the underside reveals a car that has
been serviced and cared for properly. Having traveled only moderate
miles since installation, the stainless steel exhaust retains a
fresh finish. The floor pan, trunk floor, and undercarriage are
both solid and straight, showing no evidence of structural
compromise, merely typical road use. The car is offered with
previous service and ownership documentation, (one record dating
back to 1977), a copy of the factory build sheet, factory fitted
original luggage, and an original 300SC instruction manual.This is
a wonderful opportunity to acquire an enjoyable Mercedes-Benz 300SC
with both asporting nature and stately manner. Powered by the same
engine in the iconic 300SLGullwing, the mechanical majesty is only
surpassed by the timeless hand-crafted opulence.One of likely fewer
than a dozen factory optioned sunroof cars, this 300SC is ready
forpleasant drives, touring, or showing in any Mercedes-Benz event,
while transforming even themost average journey into a memorable
and captivating motoring experience. Chassis. no.
188.014.6500070Eng. no. 199.980.6500068Black with Black Leather
Interior One of only 98 300 Sc coupes built One of as few as 12
optioned with the rare steel sunroof Features a very rare and
unusual Venti sunroof 42 years of fastidious care and minimal use
Retains its original matching-numbers body and engine Restored by a
former factory mechanic and marque specialist Recent brake and fuel
system service by Mercedes-Benz Classic Center Accompanied by
luggage and owners manual Documented with factory build sheetPrice:
$495,000