Vehicle Description
The revived Frankfurt and Paris auto shows of 1951 confirmed the
upward trajectory of Europe's postwar reconstruction and progress,
exemplified by compelling exhibits by Mercedes-Benz at both venues.
Recalling its highly effective 1930s practice of displaying
accessible, higher-volume model lines alongside more exclusive and
expensive high-level offerings, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the updated
170 S sedan, 300 limousine, and soon-to-be-victorious 300 SL
competition cars, and three iterations of the 300 S in Roadster,
Cabriolet, and Coupe body styles.
In particular, the 300 S - internally designated 'W186' -
captivated showgoers with its classic styling cues, sheer presence,
hand-built quality, and impressive engine specification. Evoking
the glamor and exclusivity of prewar models like the 540K, the 300
S lineup marked a significant step forward with its
shorter-wheelbase chassis derived from the 300 'Adenauer'
limousine, with ample power delivered by a detuned version of the
3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine employed by the racing 300 SL.
Bodies were designed by Hermann Ahrens, whose design credits
reached back to the stunning Mercedes-Benz 540 K of the 1930s.
Ongoing development yielded the more powerful, Bosch fuel-injected
300 Sc, which also ushered in a revised suspension and debuted at
Frankfurt in September 1955. Massively expensive when new, the
limited-production 300 Sc was the preferred automotive choice of
many of the era's wealthiest and most influential buyers;
consequently, just 200 were produced via special order through
1958, comprising 98 sedans, 53 Roadsters, and just 49 examples of
the Cabriolet A.
A product of impeccable quality, all surviving examples of the 300,
300 S, and 300 Sc are rightly coveted by astute collectors and
marque enthusiasts today, Produced at the renowned Mercedes-Benz
coachworks at Sindelfingen, the 300 models were endowed with
painstakingly fitted body panels, with hand-leaded edges and seams,
yielding exceptionally straight and accurate gaps. Bright trim
items were carefully fitted to each body, then removed and
beautifully chrome-finished prior to final installation. The
opulent interiors featured rich wood veneer, cut in book-matched
symmetrical patterns and featured the specific grain and finish
specified by each individual buyer.
One of the 49 examples of the 300 Sc Cabriolet A produced, this
wonderful example from 1957 was finished new in Graphite Grey over
Red leather upholstery with a black convertible top. This
hand-built Mercedes-Benz flagship continues to benefit handsomely
from an older, high-quality restoration performed by noted marque
specialist Charles Brahms. Formerly part of a noted private
collection for 30 years, this 300 Sc is finished in Red paintwork
with Mottled Cognac leather upholstery and a Tan convertible top.
Notwithstanding some age-related paint imperfections visible upon
close scrutiny, this splendid 300 Sc continues to present very well
throughout. The passenger compartment features the captivating and
painstakingly crafted wood trim, finely detailed switchgear; a
Becker 'Mexico' radio, and VDO instruments monitoring the oil
pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, speed, and amperage. The
leather upholstery is lovely and inviting, showing virtually no
wear. The soft top is done in tan Sonnendeck canvas, and is in fine
order overall, with a small tear noted at one hinge point. Exterior
accessories include Bosch driving lights, a driver's side mirror,
and the signature landau irons of the Cabriolet A, while
color-matched wheel covers complete the superb presentation. A
top-boot cover, spare tire, and roadside jack are included with the
sale of the vehicle. Mechanically, the car is correct and in
generally good order, though it has been on static display for an
extended period, and some minor recommissioning is required.
Handsomely presented, powerful, and exceedingly rare, this 1957
Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A is a collector-grade example of
these visually striking, hand-built Grand Touring machines from
Mercedes-Benz. Few of their contemporaries could possibly match
their uncanny level of quality and refinement, and this example
provides an extremely rare opportunity to appreciate their many
virtues, best experienced directly on your favorite stretch of the
open road.
Offers welcome and trades considered
