Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 188.014.5500027
Body No. A188.014.5500023
Engine No. 199.980.5500015
Following World War II, Mercedes-Benz turned its attention to
producing smaller, more affordable vehicles to aid the German
economy and address postwar resource limitations. As conditions
improved throughout the 1950s, the company's board of directors set
plans in motion to restore Mercedes-Benz's status as a world-class
automaker. A pivotal step was reopening the race department, which
bolstered internal morale, while the introduction of the luxurious
300 S and later 300 Sc helped reestablish the brand's reputation
for building Germany's most opulent vehicles, even more costly than
the 300 SL.
While sharing some mechanical similarities with the 300 sedans, the
300 S and 300 Sc were crafted to represent the pinnacle of personal
transportation, offered exclusively as a 2+2 Cabriolet with
distinctive landaulet bars, a Coupe, or a two-seat Roadster with a
disappearing convertible top. A 150 mm shorter wheelbase, lavish
interior trim with rich leather and wood, and meticulous finishing
details set them apart at the top of the Mercedes-Benz range. It
was only natural that these prestigious cars would incorporate
innovative technology, and in 1955, following the successful launch
of the 300 SL Gullwing, the 300 Sc was introduced with mechanical
direct fuel injection, replacing the triple-carburetor setup of the
300 S. The 300 Sc also received an advanced independent low-pivot
swing axle rear suspension, later used on the 300 SL Roadster.
This innovation and craftsmanship came at a price, with the 300 Sc
costing nearly three times as much as a comparable Cadillac and
almost double the price of a 300 SL. Production numbers remained
low-only 98 Coupes, 102 Cabriolets, and 53 Roadsters were built
between 1955 and April 1958-making these cars exceptionally rare
and highly collectible today.
According to its Data Card, this rare 300 Sc was delivered to
Vienna, Austria on 22 February 1956 in Graphite Grey (190) with
Light Grey leather, where it served as a show car or Standwagen as
part of Mercedes' official display at the 1956 Vienna
Automobilsalon. Remaining in Europe through the 2000s, it was
meticulously restored to its current presentation in stunning Black
(040) over striking Dark Green leather interior. The comprehensive
restoration included an engine overhaul, cosmetic refinishing, and
the rejuvenation of its rich wood trim, which still retains a deep
luster. This 300 Sc retains its numbers-matching chassis, engine,
and body. Following its completion, the car joined the esteemed
Paul Andrews Collection in 2016 when imported to the United States
from Germany.
Today, this matching-numbers 300 Sc Coupe remains an attractive and
well-appointed example, featuring a two-piece set of matching Dark
Green leather luggage and a dash-mounted Becker Mexico radio. It
earned Best in Class awards at the 2021 Palm Beach Concours and the
2022 Palm Beach Cavallino Classic during Classic & Sports Sunday.
The car is offered with matching spare wheel and tire, owner's
manual, workshop manual, and a copy of its original Data Card
confirming its Vienna Automobilsalon debut. Endowed with striking
road presence, high build quality, and rarity, this spectacular
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupe will no doubt be a welcome
participant at concours and touring events around the world.
