At the RM Sotheby's Essen Sale next month, this splendid 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé will head to auction for about € 500,000.

History of the Mercedes-Benz 300

The Mercedes-Benz 300 aka W188 was produced from 1951 to 1958. After World War II, Mercedes wanted to make again sporting luxury car. First, the model 300 S (1951-1954), developed by Karl Wilfert (Head of Car Development) and Fritz Nallinger (chief engineer), was presented at the Paris Salon in 1951.

Then, in 1955, a new model, 300 Sc, was produced with upgrades to both engine (V8) and suspension but also to improve the interior comfort with air conditioning. The two models had the same innovations that the iconic Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing (if you want know more about the Gullwing, an old post about it.

Three different models 300Sc were available :

Coupés (98 examples built),
Cabriolet (49),
Roadsters (53).

Specification

The Mercedes 300 S has a 3 carburettor version of the 300 SL sports car engine. The new second-series Sc model (W 188 II) was upgraded with V8 engine producing 173 hp at 5,400 rpm.

In order to improve the handling, the low single pivot suspension was fitted in the rear.

This model was the third example built finished in dark grey with a light grey leather interior. In 2007, the car was beautifully restored by Kienle Autotechnik.