1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SC Roadster
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 300 SC Cabriolet 188.013.6500077 – sold for $1,100,000 One of only 49 built. An exceptional, authentic, award-winning restoration. Formerly owned by James Patterson. Well-documented, including correspondence from previous owners. One of the very finest to be found.
Auction Source: 2015 Amelia Island by RM Sotheby’s
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SC Roadster 188.015.5500030 – sold for $990,000 One of Only 53 Sc Roadsters Built. Multiple First Place Winner. Thorough Restoration by Marque and Model Experts. The Most Sporting of the Flagship 300 Series. Arguably the Marque’s Finest Postwar Luxury Car.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster 188.015.5500026 – sold for $962,500 One of Only 53 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadsters Built. Meticulous Restoration by Don Mertz. Matching-Numbers Example. The Mercedes-Benz Flagship Model of the 1950s. Fitted with Five-Piece Luggage Set and Becker Radio. Offered with Mercedes-Benz Build Sheets and Restoration Records.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster – sold for $660,000 This sublimely restored example has been treated to a no-expense-spared thorough restoration, both mechanically and cosmetically, with breathtaking results. It is certainly one of the finest examples in existence. The consignor of this magnificent Sc, a noted authority on early post-war Mercedes-Benz, purchased the car in 2005, disassembled but complete, from well-known Mercedes-Benz club member Lynn Yakel, who had owned it since 1972. A kn
Auction Source: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company
