1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SC Cabriolet A
In October 1951, Daimler-Benz presented the Mercedes-Benz 300 S at the Paris Motor Show. In addition to the coupe variant, production of which began in 1952, there were also a convertible A and a roadster. In technical terms, the 300 S was largely based on the 300 sedan and positioned as a particular representative car with a sporty touch – meeting the highest demands made on roadholding and speed. The engine (110 kW/150 hp) gave the car a remarkable top speed of 175 km/h. The revised 300 Sc version made its debut in September 1955. It was now fitted with a single-joint swing axle with a low pivot point; direct injection replacing the carburetors raised engine output to 129 kW (175 hp). Both versions, the 300 S and the 300 Sc, ranked among the most exclusive Mercedes-Benz passenger car models in the post-war period and, like the 300 SL, are highly coveted classics among vintage car enthusiasts today.
In Detail
| tags | w188, 300sc |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Germany |
| body stylist | Sindelfingen |
| coachbuilder | Sindelfingen |
| engine | M199 Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 2996 cc / 182.8 in³ |
| bore | 85 mm / 3.35 in |
| stroke | 88 mm / 3.46 in |
| compression | 8.55:1 |
| power | 128.3 kw / 172 bhp @ 5400 rpm |
| specific output | 57.41 bhp per litre |
| torque | 254.89 nm / 188 ft lbs @ 4300 rpm |
| front tires | 6.70-15 |
| rear tires | 6.70-15 |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 12.7 cm / 15 x 5 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 12.7 cm / 15 x 5 in |
| steering | Recirculating Ball |
| wheelbase | 2900 mm / 114.2 in |
| front track | 1480 mm / 58.3 in |
| rear track | 1525 mm / 60.0 in |
| length | 4700 mm / 185.0 in |
| width | 1916 mm / 75.4 in |
| height | 1510 mm / 59.4 in |
| top speed | ~180.2 kph / 112 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~14.0 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Cabriolet 188.013.6500077 – sold for $990,000 One of 49 examples produced. Outstanding, authentic restoration by specialist Charles Brahms. Nicely documented, including correspondence from previous owners.
Auction Source: 2013 Arizona Auction by RM
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet 188.013-6500133 – sold for $825,000 One of Only 49 300 Sc Cabriolets Built. Two Owners from New. Factory-Delivered Color Combination. Factory-Delivered Color Combination. Low-Mileage Example. Accompanied by Copy of Factory Build Record.
Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
