1953 Mercedes Benz 300S Coupe


Details

Just arrived at Oldtimer Australia is this very rare and absolutely stunning 1953 Mercedes Benz 300S Coupe.

The Type W188 Mercedes Benz 300S was introduced at the 1951 Paris Motor Show to critical acclaim. Built as a coupe, roadster and cabriolet the 300S was the flagship of the Mercedes Benz range.

This car was mechanically similar to the Type W186 300 Series cars, however, these cars were all hand built and the striking yet elegant design coupled with the strong performance from the 3.0 litre six cylinder engine with triple Solex carburettors ensured the 300S was at the pinnacle of automotive design and luxury cars of the day.

During four years of production from 1952 to 1955 a total of 216 coupes, 141 roadsters and 203 cabriolets were produced, hence, the Mercedes Benz 300S series cars are very rare indeed. In period they were more expensive than the 300SL Gullwing Coupe and 300SL Roadster that succeeded it.

The factory data card confirms this particular car was completed on the 20th August 1953 and despatched to Mercedes Benz in Paris, France on the 12th October 1953. It was originally finished in ‘grey-beige’ (paint code DB157) with ‘green’ leather upholstery (code 653). The data card confirms the car retains its original matching numbers engine.

The car has recently come from a deceased estate and unfortunately little is known of its early history. It is understood to have been acquired circa 20 years in the USA by a Sydney based Mercedes Benz enthusiast in need of work. He imported the car into Australia and immediately dismantled it to start a ground up restoration. It is understood that the following works were completed soon after he acquired the car. The body was stripped back to bare metal, fully repaired and painted as was the chassis. Similarly all of the exterior trim, chrome and electrics were also refurbished and / or replaced as necessary. All of the mechanical components, excluding the engine, were reconditioned. Unfortunately the owners health deteriorated and the car sat unfinished for many many years and sadly he passed away when the car was partly assembled. Some twelve months ago the owners estate made the decision to commission a Mercedes Benz specialist to complete the car and then sell it. Given the car had sat for so long it needed recommissioning and extensive work was undertaken to the brakes, the electrics needed work, the rubbers were replaced, the wheels were painted and new tyres fitted. Unfortunately some of the chrome had to be redone and the interior was completely retrimmed, including the seats, door cards, carpets and headlining. The timber was also refinished. On completion it was found the engine had very low oil pressure so it was rebuilt.

The car was subsequently sold to a collector who soon after had the opportunity to acquire a Mercedes Benz 300S Cabriolet. He decided to acquire the 300S Cabriolet and on sell the 300S Coupe, hence, this car is now offered for sale.

Today the car presents and drives well. The engine has good oil pressure and the car pulls strongly through the gears. The gear change is smooth and the car handles and stops as it should. The interior is well finished and overall the cabin is a nice place to be. For some reason the seats have been fixed in place and cannot be adjusted back / forward. The paint is circa 20 years old and presents as such with minor imperfections and blemishes evident. There is a small piece of chrome trim missing from the right hand side of the car adjacent to the bonnet and there appears to be something missing below the rear windscreen – possibly an aftermarket badge.

In summary this car is a very nice example of an extremely rare and collectible Mercedes Benz. The car has an incredible presence and it would surely be welcomed at just about every classic car show anywhere in the world.

A unique opportunity.


Specification

  • -
  • Mercedes Benz 300S
  • 1953
  • Coupe
  • Manual
  • 55407 miles
  • 2996cc

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