Vehicle Description
Prior to the release of the spectacular 300SL sports car in 1954,
the 300 Sedan and Coupe starred as the ultimate models in the
Mercedes-Benz lineup. The big 300 was among the finest and most
luxurious automobiles available, competing with the likes of
Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Cadillac for top honors among captains of
industry and heads of state alike. Famously, the 300 found favor
with Germany's Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, who ordered a fleet of
six custom bodied variants that he used during his fourteen year
tenure. The car was thusly nicknamed Adenauer after its most
influential and powerful admirer. Internally known as the W186, the
big 300 was powered by a 2,996 c.c. SOHC inline six cylinder
engine. Twin Solex carburetors fed the engine which produced 136
hp, feeding power through either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed
Borg-Warner automatic gearbox. The robust power plant served as the
basis for the legendary 300SL; canted over and fitted with Bosch
mechanical injection and dry-sump lubrication for sports car duty.
The W186 chassis featured independent front suspension along with a
coil-sprung swing-axle in the rear. Handling and braking were
excellent for a car of the 300's size and many owners chose to
drive rather than be driven. Given the clientele, a variety of
custom and limited bodies were offered, including full and partial
cabriolets and divider-window limousines. The 300B and 300C were
eventually replaced by the slightly larger 300D which was different
enough to necessitate a new chassis designation, W189, which
continued through 1962 before being replaced by the highly advanced
600 saloons and limousines. This striking 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300C
wears a factory correct shade of Strawberry red, an attractive yet
rather unlikely color for a car that was generally preferred by
more conservative clientele. An included factory build sheet
confirms this as the original, factory issued color (Code DB543).
Beyond the unexpected paint scheme, it is also equipped with a
wonderful full-length Webasto sunroof. Wearing an older, though
extremely well-maintained restoration, it presents in excellent
condition throughout. The quality of the restoration is apparent in
the very strong and consistent panel fit and body work. These are
notoriously difficult and complex cars to restore, and it is clear
this car has benefited from expert attention. The exterior trim on
the W186 is almost entirely chrome-on-brass, and on this car it is
presented in very good order. We believe some trim items such as
the window surrounds to be original, and while they show a few
minor flaws, it hardly detracts from the overall sense of quality
this car conveys. Mercedes' stately radiator grille has excellent
plating, and is flanked by a pair of original Bosch fog lamps
mounted on the lower aprons. It rides on original steel wheels with
chrome beauty rings and correct color-keyed chrome hubcaps.
Blackwall bias ply tires are perfectly judged against the brilliant
paintwork, and provide the proper stance and period correct look.
Complementing the strawberry red paint is a caramel tan interior
which we believe retains original leather upholstery on the seats
along with restored woodwork and newer carpets. The leather has
been refurbished and presents quite well, and while the driver's
seat does show some moderate wear to the finish, the cabin remains
quite pleasing and inviting. The blonde woodwork is a wonderful
complement to the tan leather and exterior paint, and the vast wood
dash is certainly a highlight of the interior. It is equipped a
full array of original instruments, beautiful chrome switchgear,
and the original VDO clock which sits proudly above the original
Becker Mexico AM/FM radio. Rear passengers get to ride in comfort
with a fold down armrest and clever windwings which keep buffeting
to a minimum when the windows are open. Interior chrome fittings
are up to the standard of the exterior, with beautiful quality
finishing. The trunk is also nicely presented, with carpeted panels
and a single spare wheel mounted in the right hand compartment. On
the left side, a compartment houses a very rare factory spare parts
kit. Beneath the hood, Mercedes' robust 3.0 liter inline six is
very well presented with correct natural finish alloy castings and
black finished inner panels. Decals on the cam cover, period-look
battery and elsewhere add a high degree of factory-correct detail
and the majority of hardware and clamps appear to be correct. It is
exceptionally clean and tidy, showing careful maintenance since the
restoration was completed. The optional Borg-Warner automatic
shifts well, and the car performs effortlessly. This handsome and
imposing Mercedes-Benz 300C is one of just 885 examples built in
1956 out of a total of 1,432 examples overall. It is a rare and
very desirable example of Mercedes-Benz ultimate expression of
mid-century luxury.