1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster
With the 300 series, Mercedes-Benz reclaimed its place as one of the top automotive manufacturers in the world. The all-new 300 series took its place as the company’s flagship. Initially offered only as a sedan, within months, the 300 S Coupes, Cabriolets and Roadsters debuted at the Paris Auto show and their distinct variations recalled the grandeur and elegance seen in the great 540Ks of the 1930s.
In Detail
| tags | w188, 300s |
| submitted by | admin |
| type | Series Production Car |
| released at | 1951 Paris Motor Show |
| built at | Germany |
| body stylist | Sindelfingen |
| coachbuilder | Sindelfingen |
| production | 141 |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| fuel feed | Triple Solex Downdraft Carburetors |
| displacement | 2996 cc / 182.83 in³ |
| power | 111.9 kw / 150 bhp @ 5000 rpm |
| specific output | 50.07 bhp per litre |
| f suspension | A-Arms w/Coil Springs |
| r suspension | Swing-Axles w/Coil Springs |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
Auction Sales History
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster 188.012.00301.53 – sold for €448,000
A copy of this Roadster’s original Daimler-Benz data card, which is on file, notes that the car was purchased by the Ferrikh Company of Iran and was originally delivered to Geneva, Switzerland. A longstanding story that accompanies the car is that it was purchased by West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer as a present for Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Persia. As the Shah was in Geneva at the time, the car was delivered there. Whilst no additional documentation exists to support the story, the car was originally delivered completely in green, including the paint, leather, and even the top fabric. This seems appropriate, as green is one of the colours of the Persian flag and is a colour of great significance in Iranian culture.
Recently, this car was body-off restored with great care, and included in the work performed was a complete rebuild of the engine and mechanicals, as necessary, by renowned German Mercedes-Benz specialist Lars Rombelsheim. It was refinished in a sophisticated combination of Fishsilver Metallic paint over beautifully tailored red leather upholstery and a black fabric top. Other features include bumper guards, yellow driving lights, the desirable Becker Mexico radio, and a lovely set of fitted luggage, including a hat box, which is painted in a striking, contrasting olive and stows neatly in the boot.
Auction Source: 2014 Paris by RM Auctions
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster 188.012.00220/53 – sold for $550,000 One of Only 141 300 S Roadsters Built. Two Owners Over the Past 45 Years. Restored by Robert Platz of Precision Auto. Finished in Correct, Factory-Delivered Color Scheme. First Prize AACA Grand National Award Winner. Numerous Best in Class and Best of Show Honors. Complete with Tool Kit, Factory Literature and Original Karl Baisch Luggage. One of the Most Exclusive Luxury Automobiles of the Early 1950s.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Cabriolet 0024553 – sold for €262,200 A fast touring automobile in the tradition of the legendary 540K, the 300S was faster, better handling, more comfortable and generally superior to its pre-war ancestor. Presented in superb condition, this fine example of a rare model comes complete with full luggage set.
Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles d’exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams
