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
