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. With a 150 mm shorter wheelbase than
the sedans, they still retained the same 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.
Braking is handled by large drum brakes with a Bendix booster. The
300 Sc also received an advanced independent low-pivot swing axle
rear suspension, later used on the 300 SL Roadster. The fuel
injected Sc is easily distinguishable from its carbureted
predecessor by the addition of chrome trim on the edges of the hood
vents, larger turn signals, chrome trim along wheel openings and
down the rockers, and a simple "Einspritzmotor" badge at the rear
of the car.
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 Burl Walnut wood trim, which 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,
well-appointed and highly detailed example which still looks fresh,
featuring a two-piece set of matching Dark Green leather luggage, a
dash-mounted Becker Mexico radio, European market headlights,
optional fog lights, and chrome plated wheels with white wall
tires. It earned Best in Class awards at the 2021 Palm Beach
Concours and the 2022 Palm Beach Cavallino Classic during Classic &
Sports Sunday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The car is offered with
matching spare wheel and tire, jack, 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 prize-winning participant at
concours and touring events around the world with its exceptional
presentation.
