Vehicle Description
Introduced at the inaugural IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in 1951, the
elegant new 'W186' Mercedes-Benz 300 Saloon and glamorous four-door
Cabriolet D assumed the pinnacle of the renowned German marque's
model range. Soon informally dubbed "Adenauer," the 300 continues
to be inseparably associated with German chancellor Dr. Konrad
Adenauer, the renowned political leader of Germany's postwar
"Economic Miracle." The classical styling cues, limited production,
and hand-built quality of the 300 recalled the glamor and
exclusivity of the glorious prewar Mercedes-Benz models yet it
clearly marked a significant step forward with its rational
proportions and modern engineering. Based upon a new tubular-steel
chassis design, fully independent suspension, and a
soon-to-be-renowned 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the 300
also featured rich leather upholstery, impeccably finished wood
trim, and a jewel-like dashboard housing comprehensive and useful
instrumentation. A product of impeccable quality, all surviving
examples of the 300, 300 S, and 300 Sc lineage are rightly coveted
by astute collectors and marque enthusiasts today. Produced at the
renowned Mercedes-Benz coachworks at Sindelfingen, all 300 models
were endowed with painstakingly fitted body panels and hand-leaded
edges and seams, yielding exceptional and obvious quality. Bright
trim items were primarily crafted in brass, carefully fitted to
each body, removed, and beautifully chrome-finished prior to final
installation. Interiors were trimmed in rich wood veneers, cut in
book-matched symmetrical patterns and finished to specific customer
order. Mechanical development of the 300 quickly progressed to
include the uprated, triple-carbureted 300 S or "Super," internally
designated 'W188.' Tailored to the well-heeled owner/driver, the
300 S was offered with a choice of three sportier body styles
(Coupe, Cabriolet and Roadster) on a shortened-wheelbase chassis.
The more powerful 300 Sc debuted at the September 1955 Frankfurt
Show as the ultimate expression of the series, featuring a welcome
performance boost from Bosch's sophisticated mechanical fuel
injection. Massively expensive when new, the limited-production 300
Sc was the automotive choice of many of the era's wealthiest
buyers; consequently, just 200 were hand-built in total, including
this 1955 300 Sc, one of 98 Coupes produced. Accompanied by a copy
of its factory issued Wagenkarte (production data card), this
wonderful 300 Sc Coupe was factory-finished in Blue (Code DB320)
paint over Gray (Code 955) leather upholstery and equipped with a
Becker Mexico radio, automatic antenna, and sealed-beam headlamps.
Following shipment to the United States, the 300 Sc was sold new in
the appropriately glamorous locale of Los Angeles, California. As
offered, it continues to benefit handsomely from an older
professional restoration performed to concours quality by the late
Charles Brahms. Known by many as "Mr. Mercedes," the respected
marque specialist from Irvine, California, restored nine 300Scs,
and they count among the most desirable of the survivors. Used only
sparingly and lightly mellowed since the restoration was completed,
this 1955 300 Sc Coupe nonetheless features excellent chrome and
brightwork and clearly benefits from detailing of the engine
compartment, undercarriage, and interior under the prior ownership.
Crucially, it retains the original chassis, engine, and body
numbers matching the Wagenkarte. It was most recently on extended
static display in a private collection, and will require some
mechanical service and sorting before it can be enjoyed to the
fullest on the road. Equally attractive and exclusive today as when
new, this exceedingly rare and compelling, fuel-injected 1955
Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupe exemplifies postwar German design and
engineering prowess and hand-built quality unlike any other car of
its kind. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7373-1955-mercedes-benz-300-sc-coupe/
