LOT 11
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet A Coachwork by Sindelfingen Chassis no. 188010-3500334 Engine no. 188920-3500343
Estimate: US$380,000 - US$430,000
Lot 11
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet A
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet A
Coachwork by Sindelfingen
Chassis no. 188010-3500334
Engine no. 188920-3500343
Coachwork by Sindelfingen
Chassis no. 188010-3500334
Engine no. 188920-3500343
2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Solex Carburetors
150bhp at 5,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Swing Axle with Coil Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Unrestored and beautifully preserved survivor
*Single-family ownership from 1974 to 2021
*One of 203 Cabriolet A models produced
*Presented in its factory colors of Graphite Gray over Red leather
*Retains its numbers-matching engine
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300S
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its first new post-war flagship sedan at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951. The elegant 300 sedan was an imposing statement of European luxury, offered as either a four-door sedan or four-door full convertible. The press and buying public praised it for its exceptional engineering and build quality, and it soon became a favorite among celebrities and heads of state alike, including Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, whose affinity for the sedan earned it the eponymous nickname.
Mercedes-Benz followed with a more sporting version, the 300S—the "S" denoting it as Super. The 300S chassis was shortened by 25 centimeters and offered as an elegant coupe, glamorous open-topped cabriolet, or a disappearing-top roadster, all built at the renowned Sindelfingen factory. In essence, the 300S was the post-war spiritual successor to the legendary 540K. The S-specification cars featured an uprated 3.0-liter inline-six with 3 Solex carburetors and a boosted compression ratio to make 150bhp, up from the standard car's 115bhp. The engine is backed by a smooth and reliable four-speed manual with a delightfully slick column shift. The suspension is independent in front with a swing axle arrangement in the rear, sprung with coils. While tuned for comfort, the 300S is still a respectable handler and is impressively poised at speed. The solid road feel and opulent appointments made the 300S a very special place to spend time.
Exclusivity was assured as only 560 examples of the 300S were hand-built between 1952 and 1958. That exclusivity also came with a price: A whopping $12,680 in 1953—about twice the price of a new Cadillac. Notable 300S owners included Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, and The Aga Khan, who all could easily afford the cost of entry into this limited club.
THE CAR OFFERED
A wonderful example of fastidious preservation, this marvelous 300S Cabriolet has survived unrestored for nearly seventy years save one respray in its original Graphite Grey color. Factory production records on file show this car was delivered to the USA on December 18, 1954, via Mercedes-Benz of New York. A richly appointed red leather interior and black canvas top round the aesthetic, which surely made a dramatic statement rolling on to the boulevard in 1955. The car's early ownership history is not currently known, however, in 1974 it was acquired by the most recent owners from the noted marque specialist Alex Dearborn. At the time, it was a completely original, untouched car and thankfully, the new custodians recognized its value and strove to maintain its originality. In 1986, it received a lacquer repaint in its factory color, which it still wears today. The interior is a particular highlight, displaying a fabulous patina on the red leather seats and panels. Expansive woodwork and chrome switchgear add to the opulent feel, and the car retains authentic details including the original Becker radio and factory parts manual.
The 300S is renowned for its tank-like build quality, which is undoubtedly a factor in this car's impressive survival. It benefits from recent servicing, and the consignor reports it to be fine runner. Additionally, it retains its numbers-matching six-cylinder engine which is tidy, honest, and consistent with the unrestored quality. With its rich patina and appealing authenticity this car will undoubtedly show well in concours preservation classes.
After seven decades of attentive care, this rare and highly desirable Mercedes-Benz 300S is once again ready for a new custodian to usher it into its next chapter.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 28 February 2024, 09:00 - 19:00 EST
- 29 February 2024, 09:00 - 12:00 EST
