1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet

Chassis No. 188.013.6500061

Engine No. 199.980.6500062

• One of only forty-nine 300 Sc cabriolets built
• High-quality older restoration by Charles Brahms

Introduced in April 1951 at the first-ever Frankfurt Motor Show and later that year in October at the Paris Motor Show, the 300 was to be the crown jewel in the post-war Mercedes-Benz crown. The 300 was initially offered in cabriolet and saloon models on the W186 chassis; however, the shorter and sportier W188 chassis would also be used to provide customers with roadster, coupe, and cabriolet versions. Featuring an independent suspension, the 300 provided outstanding comfort, even when cruising at a maximum speed of 100 mph.

In 1955 the engineers upgraded the engine using the Bosch fuel-injection system introduced on the 300 SL. Fuel was injected directly into the cylinders, but the fuel-injection pump was driven by a chain instead of a gear train. With a slightly milder cam than the sports cars, the M188 II engine produced 175 horsepower and 182 foot-pounds of torque, a substantial increase over the 300 S.

With the new engine, denoted by the word Einspritzmotor (fuel-injected engine) on the rear bumper, the 300 Sc was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1955. Only a few other trim changes, including chromed cooling vents about each fender, perforated chromed disc wheels, and enlarged turn signals, distinguished the new model. With the technical improvements, 145 units were sold during the remainder of 1955 and through 1956. Only 52 additional units would be sold in 1957 and three more in 1958 after production ended. In total, only 49 cabriolets, 53 roadsters, and 98 coupes were sold, making these models among the lowest-production dealer-ordered automobiles ever made by Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc is notoriously expensive to restore, and it is rare to find an example in comparable cosmetic and mechanical condition. This early-production 300 Sc cabriolet is an example of one of Mercedes-Benz’s rarest models and is ready for its next owner to enjoy.