Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 188.014.6500116
Body No. A188.014.650055
Engine No. 199.980.6500120
Following the conclusion of World War II, Mercedes-Benz focused on
smaller, less expensive offerings to not only get Germany moving
again but to cope with the rationed resources. As the situation
improved during the 1950s, the board of directors formulated plans
to return the company to the same world-class standing it had
before the war. Reopening the race department was a morale boost,
but more importantly, they began building some of the country's
most opulent automotive offerings in the form of the 300 S and,
later, 300 Sc.
While similar to the four-door 300 sedans, the 300 S and Sc were
only available as the most prestigious form of personal
transportation as a Cabriolet, 2+2 Coupe, or a two-seat Roadster.
Distinctive trim and finish work further set them apart, firmly
placing them at the top of the Mercedes hierarchy. It was only
natural for these prestigious cars to incorporate innovative
technology into their design, and following the launch of the 300
SL, the Sc was bestowed with a similar form of mechanical direct
fuel injection in 1955, along with a redesigned independent
low-pivot swing axle rear suspension that would later be used on
the 300 SL Roadster. This cutting-edge technology and attention to
detail came at a price, with these cars costing nearly three times
as much as a comparable Cadillac and almost twice as much as a 300
SL, owing to the small production run of 98 Coupes and 102
Cabriolets being produced between 1955 and April 1958.
The accompanying digital copy of the Mercedes-Benz Data Card
confirms that this particular 300 Sc Coupe completed production on
23 July 1956 and was delivered to the original owner through the
Frankfurt/Main branch five days later. Mr. Duncan. The car was
equipped with a Becker Mexico radio and a 200 kph speedometer, both
of which can still be found in the car. The AAU Collection acquired
this Coupe nearly 20 years ago, in late 2006. The car was believed
to be restored under previous ownership by noted marque expert
Lothar Motschenbacher of Southern California. During this
restoration, the body was refinished in the period-correct color
combination of dark blue over a grey leather interior. The engine
is believed to have been rebuilt and cosmetically restored during
the restoration, along with the exterior trim and rich, precious
woodwork interior trim that still retains a deep luster.
Accompanying the car is a two-piece set of reproduction Baer
Classics luggage finished in black leather with plaid linings that
can be found in the trunk. Today this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc
Coupe presents in wonderfully restored condition and is an
excellent opportunity to acquire one of the most extravagant, and
rare Mercedes-Benz models of the period.
