1957 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Coupé

• One of only 49 300SC Coupés built
• Coachbuilt in the traditional manner
• The most desirable of all Mercedes-Benz's post-war luxury models
• Restored in 2012
• Comes with Dutch registration documents

Right from the marque's creation in 1926 by the merger of Daimler-Benz and Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz's top-of-the-range models have ranked in the forefront of the world's greatest automobiles. Throughout the 1950s the company's flagship model was the 300S, a luxurious Grand Tourer in the tradition of the pre-war 540 K, which was both lighter and faster than its illustrious predecessor. Mercedes-Benz's first prestige car of the post-WW2 period, the 300 debuted at the Paris Salon in 1951. The range comprised the six-light, four-door saloon and similar-sized cabriolet, plus a trio of two-door variants built on a shorter wheelbase.

Like the majority of 1950s luxury cars, the 300 retained a separate chassis, though unlike most of its rivals could boast all-independent suspension. Later to form the basis of the immortal 300 SL sports car's, the 3.0-litre, overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine produced 115bhp, an output good enough to endow the saloon with a genuine 100mph maximum speed despite an all-up weight of 1,780kg (almost 4,000lbs). And while not unique in that respect, the 300 could cruise at close to its maximum speed while transporting six passengers in comfort in a manner that few of its contemporaries could match.

Even more performance was available to those in a position to afford a 300S. At US$12,500 the latter was more than double the price of the most expensive Cadillac and costlier than a 300 SL, so remained the province of a highly select clientele. Built in coupé, cabriolet and roadster versions, the 300S enjoyed an extra 35bhp courtesy of an increased compression ratio and three - as opposed to two - Solex downdraft carburettors. Its top speed was 176km/h (109mph), a figure improved upon by the subsequent 300Sc.

Introduced towards the end of 1955 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 300Sc featured a 175bhp dry-sump engine equipped with Bosch fuel injection, and boasted revised rear suspension with single-pivot swing axles similar to that of the 300 SL Roadster, a development that enhanced both roadholding and handling. The car's top speed was now 180km/h (112mph) with 100km/h (62mph) reachable in around 13 seconds. To cope with the improved performance, servo-assisted brakes, optional from 1954, were standardised.

Other than the fact that it was restored in 2012, there was little information to hand at time of cataloguing concerning this ultra-rare 300Sc. It is hoped that further information will come to light by time of sale. Finished in black with cream upholstery, the car can be described as in very good condition throughout, with excellent interior.

Coachbuilt in the traditional manner by Sindelfingen, the 300S family represents a standard of excellence that has rarely been equalled; only materials of the finest quality were used for the hand finished interiors, which were comparable with those of the contemporary Rolls-Royce. The 300Sc is widely regarded by discerning collectors as the most desirable of all Mercedes-Benz's post-war luxury models. Only 200 examples of the 300Sc were built through April 1958: 98 Coupés, 49 Cabriolet As, and 53 Roadsters. Survivors are both rare and highly sought after.