For Sale at Auction: 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 188.012.00305/53
Engine No. 188.920.00313/53 (See Text)
Body No. 188.180101/53

In the years following World War II, Mercedes-Benz set out to reclaim its position as the preeminent manufacturer of luxury automobiles. That ambition materialized in 1951 with the W186 300 sedan, followed later that year by the debut of the W188 300 S at the Paris Salon. Offered in Coupe, Cabriolet, and Roadster form, the 300 S stood as the marque's unquestioned flagship.

Riding on a wheelbase shortened by 150 millimeters from the 300 sedan, the 300 S combined elegant design with advanced engineering. Its M188 3.0-liter inline-six featured an increased compression ratio and triple Solex carburetors for an output of 150 horsepower, ideally suited to Germany's rapidly expanding Autobahn network.

Widely regarded as the spiritual successor to the prewar 540 K, the 300 S earned contemporary praise for its refinement, performance, and craftsmanship, while its sophisticated suspension set new standards for luxury touring. Reflecting its exclusivity, the hand-built 300 S carried a price nearly 50-percent higher than the already costly 300 sedan.

The 300 S Roadster offered here, chassis number 00305/53, was completed on 8 October 1953. According to a copy of its factory Data Card, it was originally finished in Dunkel Grau (Dark Gray) over a Hell Grau (Light Gray) leather interior and designated for export. Dispatched by rail to Milan, Italy, the car was delivered through Mercedes-Benz dealer F.A. Saporiti on 31 October 1953.

By the 1970s, the Roadster had been imported to the United States and was owned by David Shisler, the ninth president of Gull Wing Group International. While the engine remains stamped with its original matching number, it is believed the current short block, cast on 3 March 1959, was installed during his ownership. The car was subsequently acquired by noted Mercedes-Benz enthusiast Hyatt Cheek of Dallas, Texas, who served as President of both the Mercedes-Benz Club of America and Gull Wing Group International. During his stewardship, the Roadster received a cosmetic restoration and was refinished in its current and highly attractive color combination of Light Ivory over brown leather with a matching brown convertible top.

In 1998, the Mercedes-Benz joined the renowned collection of Baseball Hall of Famer and prominent car collector Reggie Jackson. Following several years of ownership, it was sold in 2001 before passing to a long-term caretaker in 2006. Most recently, the car was acquired by its current owner in 2024.

Since entering the current collection, the Roadster has benefited from nearly $65,000 of recent servicing and mechanical refurbishment. Engine work included a reconditioned cylinder head, new main and connecting rod bearing shells, and new front motor mounts, while the cooling system received a new water pump, resealed thermostat housing, and attention to the belt tensioner and heater valve. The fuel system was serviced with a cleaned and resealed tank, a repaired sending unit and gauge, and corrected carburetor leaks. The ignition and electrical systems were overhauled with a new coil, spark plug connectors, and distributor, along with a repaired generator, starter motor, turn signals, and tail light wiring. The driveline received a rebuilt column shift, a new clutch, a new flywheel, along with fresh transmission bearings, flex disc, and mounts. The brakes were renewed throughout with a rebuilt booster, new wheel cylinders, master cylinder, and hoses, and the car also received new front shock absorbers, rear axle boots, and fresh tires, all followed by thorough road testing.

Equipped with Bosch driving lamps and accompanied by a fitted three-piece luggage set trimmed to match the interior, this rare and elegant 300 S Roadster presents as a freshly recommissioned and highly usable example of the marque's postwar flagship.