Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster

Based on the large 300, Mercedes-Benz introduced the shorter 300 S in 1951 as a Coupé, Cabriolet and Roadster. Hermann Ahrens was responsible for the elegant design. Compared to the sedan, the wheelbase was 15 centimeters shorter. Production ran until 1958, and throughout the entire period the W188 series was the most expensive product in the model range. In addition, it was the last model series to be built using the classic frame construction method with the body built on top by hand. For this purpose, the individual parts were lovingly adapted and proper gaps were ensured. Initially, a three-liter inline six-cylinder engine with three Solex carburetors was under the hood. This produced 110 kW/150 hp and 225 newtonmeters of torque. It enabled the two-door car to accelerate to a topspeed of 175 kph (109 mph).

300 Sc from 1955

After 216 Coupés, 203 Cabriolets and 141 Roadsters, a comprehensive model update to the Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc, internally W188 II, took place in 1955. Visually, the new models were recognizable by more chrome trim including chrome-plated rims. On the technical side, there was now a single-joint swing axle at the rear and mechanical gasoline direct injection from Bosch for the engine. This boosted output to 129 kW/175 hp and 255 newtonmeters of torque, while the topspeed climbed to 180 kph (112 mph). On the rear bumper, Mercedes-Benz indicated the new technology with the lettering ‘Einspritzmotor’ (injection engine). By 1958, only 98 Coupés, 49 Cabriolets and 53 Roadsters had been produced.

Difference between Cabriolet and Roadster

The 300 S Cabriolet and 300 Sc Cabriolet corresponded to the design of the Cabriolet A long offered by Mercedes-Benz. This letter designation went from A to F and was based on the number of doors and seats. In the A, there were two doors and also only two seats. Fittingly, unlike the Roadster, the Cabriolet offered a weatherproof, lined cloth top and a taller windshield. In addition, the Roadster had a reduced luggage rack behind the seats. While the 300 Sc was available as a Coupé from September 1955, both the Cabriolet and the Roadster didn’t follow until January 1956.

Particularly early example

At Canadian auction house RM Sotheby’s, a very special Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster is up for bid on January 22 in Arizona. The chassis number 188.015.5500005 already indicates that it is a very early example, built as early as in late 1955. In addition, the body bears the number 00001. According to production documents, this car left the factory in white (DB 50) with a cream-colored leather interior and black soft top. It then made its way to New York to the well-known car dealer Max Hoffman, who sold the vast majority of 300 S and 300Sc cars at the time. The first owner was probably his employee Harry Woodnorth. At least Mercedes collector John Olson bought the car from him and kept it for ten years. After more than 80,000 miles of driving pleasure, Olson sold the 300 Sc to Daniel Peterkin, the CEO of Morton Salt Company.

Repainted from white to dark red

Peterkin had owned a new Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc in 1956 and had always regretted selling it. Nevertheless, he soon also sold this car on to John Calley, then president of Sony Pictures Entertainment. The latter commissioned a complete paint stripping and subsequent painting in dark red (DB 542). In addition, the seats and the rear shelf were given black leather. For the following ten years, he kept the car at his home on Vancouver Island/British Columbia. Whether before or during that time, at some point the original six-cylinder engine was replaced with an identical unit. In 2012, Eurostar Auto Service in Calgary also provided a new clutch. With the current owner, the car received extensive technical maintenance in 2018. This included a refurbishment of the fuel pump, a new inner tank coating, a refreshed alternator, and various tune-ups. RM Sotheby’s now expects a hammer price of between US$ 750,000 and US$ 850,000.

Images: RM Sotheby’s, Karissa Hosek