Mercedes-Benz 300S / Sc Cabriolet W188 Cabriolet A 1956
General description :
Shortly after the debut of the legendary 300 “Adenauer” sedan, Mercedes-Benz followed up with an opulent, hand-built coupe/cabriolet variant. These flagship grand touring cars were the most expensive and exclusive motorcars in the company’s vast portfolio in the 1950s and were considered by Mercedes-Benz as successors to the legendary pre-war 540K. Internally designated as the W188, the car utilized the M199 3-liter inline-six with iron block and alloy OHC cylinder head, shared with the Adenauer sedans. The initial production run utilized triple Solex carburetors for a 150 horsepower output. Buyers had the choice of a four-place Cabriolet A, a handsome fixed-roof coupe, or a sportier two-place roadster. The somewhat conservative styling reflected that of the sedan, yet it belied the car’s sophisticated, over-engineered underpinnings. Handcrafted at the Sindelfingen works, these cars were built with vault-like precision. The painstaking assembly process included leading and filing body panels by hand to ensure precise, consistent gaps. Each piece of chrome trim was hand-fitted in bare brass, reshaped as necessary, then matched to the car before being sent off for plating.
With such an exhaustive production process, it is no surprise that between 1952 and 1955, a total of only 560 W188 300 S models left the factory. For the second half of 1955, Mercedes made several refinements to the car, and changed the designation to “300 Sc.” First and foremost was the addition of Bosch mechanical fuel injection shared with the exotic 300SL sports car. Output jumped from 150hp to 175hp, improving flexibility and high-speed performance. Alfin brakes and with revised boosters improved braking performance along with the bump in horsepower, and subtle refinements improved the ride and handling characteristics. The car remained enormously costly to build and to buy. In America, the 300 Sc cost an astounding $12,500, which put it well above its nearest American rival, the $10,000 Continental MkII, and nearly twice the price of a Cadillac Eldorado. Except for some Hollywood stars who appreciated its glamorous looks, Americans didn’t warm to the 300, citing the eye-watering price tag as much as the lack of a V8 engine or automatic gearbox. In the end, the second generation W188-II 300 Sc sold in even smaller numbers, with just 200 cars built in total. Today, these opulent and beautiful cars stand proudly among the most desirable post-war Mercedes-Benz automobiles, second only to their mechanical cousin, the 300 SL.
Presented in unrestored condition is this highly desirable, fuel-injected 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A. The Cabriolet A is the rarest of the three body styles offered by Mercedes on the W188-II chassis, with just 49 constructed in total (vs. 53 roadsters and 98 coupes). This incredible motorcar has had just two family owners from new, and it presents in unrestored condition with its original interior and numbers-matching engine with Bosch injection intact. A hand-written letter by the previous owner recounts how he acquired the car from a wealthy couple in the 1960s. The first owners, Mr. and Mrs. James McDonald III, purchased the car while living in Germany in the late 1950s, using it there for a brief time before shipping it to their new home in California. They enjoyed the Mercedes-Benz at home in the Bay area and on their ranch in the Napa Valley. At the time, the McDonalds became friends with the gentleman who would become the second owner, an in-home physical therapist who treated Mrs. McDonald. When the McDonalds announced they were moving to Hawaii and could only take two cars, they sold the Mercedes-Benz to their friend, the therapist, and it has remained in his possession ever since. In the same letter, he describes having the car serviced at the British car dealer in Van Nuys, California, before finding happier arrangements at a Mercedes dealer near Stanford University. He continued to use the car for some time, all the while taking great care to maintain it in excellent condition. At one point in the 1970s, the car was put up for storage in their new home in the upper Midwest, where it remained quietly tucked away until only recently.
Now emerged from long-term storage, this Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet is quite possibly one of the most original examples of this highly desirable model extant. It presents in its original color of DB 180 Silbergrau Metallic over a red leather interior and factory black vinyl top. Considering its time off the road, it is in remarkable condition overall. The silver-gray paintwork shows some fading, and it appears to have had respray in the original color, likely following repairs made to the left rear fender early in the car’s life. There is also some very minor damage to the rear bumper and under the license plate area. The paint is fair and presentable for an unrestored car, although it will require attention in the future. The body is primarily sound, with some corrosion evident on the inner sills and along the trailing edges of the front wings. The doors shut with precision and display tight, consistent gaps. The exterior fittings are remarkably complete and in excellent condition, with only a couple of minor trim pieces lost to time.
The highly original red interior is a particular highlight. The front and rear seats, door panels, and headlining are beautifully preserved and show a marvelous patina; more than suitable for further preservation work. Similarly, the wood dash and door caps are excellent, displaying some moderate cracking in the lacquer finish, but appearing to have very good veneer and structure. The instruments, controls, and factory Becker Mexico radio are in superb original condition.
After coming out of storage, the original, numbers-matching engine (per the factory data card) was carefully checked to ensure it was free and sound. The fuel injection pump received similar care before startup. Following a basic service, the engine fired up quickly and now runs beautifully, with strong oil pressure. Compression is good, and likely to improve with gentle use. The clutch is free and feels sound, the gearbox operates smoothly, and the exterior lights, turn signals, and dash lights work as they should.
The gorgeous 300 Sc is among the most desirable of all post-war Mercedes-Benz production cars. Emerging from nearly 50 years of quiet slumber, this marvelous Cabriolet A is a prime candidate for a straightforward restoration or more selective preservation of its superb original features. Available for the first time on the open market, this 300 Sc is sure to please the most passionate of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.
Offers welcome and trades considered
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6519
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300S / Sc Cabriolet W188 Cabriolet A is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $625000.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : 300S / Sc Cabriolet W188 Model Version : Cabriolet A Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1956 Sub type : Convertible Location : Missouri
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About Mercedes-Benz
In the annals of automotive history, the journey of Mercedes-Benz is a tale that unfolds with the ingenuity of its founding pioneers. In the year 1886, Karl Benz crafted the Benz Patent Motorwagen, a creation that would go down in history as the world's inaugural automobile. Unbeknownst to him, this moment marked the genesis of what would evolve into the most illustrious premium car manufacturer globally. The financial underpinning of this pioneering venture, interestingly, was provided by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha Benz, demonstrating a remarkable partnership that would set the tone for Mercedes-Benz's legacy.A parallel narrative emerged not far away, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, entered the scene. In 1901, they unveiled their automobile under the now-famous moniker "Mercedes," meaning "godsend" in Spanish. This name was bestowed upon the car at the behest of Emil Jellinek's daughter, the distributor for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The wheels of innovation were set in motion.
Fast forward to 1926, a pivotal year that witnessed the merger of Daimler with Benz & Cie., culminating in the birth of Daimler-Benz. The amalgamation saw the adoption of "Mercedes-Benz" as the distinguished trademark for their automobiles, fusing the legacies of two visionary entities into one.
Contrary to perceptions of conservatism, the trajectory of Daimler-Benz unfolds as a chronicle of industry firsts. From the introduction of the honeycomb radiator to the float carburetor, and the pioneering implementation of four-wheel brakes in 1924, Daimler-Benz consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 260 D in 1936 marked the inception of diesel engines in passenger cars. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing made history as the first car with direct fuel injection, albeit the Gutbrod's tiny 2-stroke engine can claim precedence.
Safety innovations became a hallmark, with Béla Barényi's patented safety cell design in the "Ponton"-models in 1951, featuring front and rear crumple zones. The W116 450SEL 6.9 saw the introduction of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), another pioneering safety feature. From the first production airbags and beyond, the legacy of "firsts" continued to be etched into the fabric of Daimler-Benz.
Over its centennial journey, Mercedes-Benz has not merely produced cars but has sculpted automotive icons. The SSKL, 710 SSK Trossi Roadster, 770K Grosser, 540K Spezial Roadster, 300SL Gullwing, w100 600 Pullman, w111 280SE 3.5 Flachkühler, w113 230SL Pagoda, w109 300 SEL 6.3, and w201 2.3-16 Cosworth stand testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.
The roaring Silver Arrows, or "Silberpfeile," including the W 25, W 125, W154, W165, and W196, created a legacy of dominance on the racetrack. These machines were not merely cars; they were expressions of precision, speed, and an indomitable spirit that left their competitors in the dust.
As Mercedes-Benz marches into the future, it does so not just as an automaker but as a custodian of a legacy, a torchbearer of innovation, and a beacon of automotive excellence. The road ahead is sure to witness the continued fusion of cutting-edge technology, timeless design, and an unwavering commitment to setting new standards in the world of automobiles.
One luminary figure who left an indelible mark was Béla Barényi, often heralded as the "father of passive safety" for his pioneering work in safety engineering. His patented safety cell design, featuring front and rear crumple zones, became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant safety, setting new standards that reverberated throughout the automotive world.
Moving through the chronicles, the collaborative genius of Wilhelm Maybach, alongside Gottlieb Daimler, laid the foundation for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Their innovations not only birthed the first Mercedes but established a culture of relentless pursuit of technological excellence that remains integral to Mercedes-Benz's DNA.
In the post-merger era of 1926, Ferdinand Porsche emerged as a prominent figure within Mercedes-Benz. His work on the Mercedes-Benz S-Type, a supercharged race car, garnered acclaim and set the stage for a legacy that extended far beyond the marque. Porsche's impact would later extend to his eponymous company, but his influence at Mercedes-Benz during those formative years was pivotal.
As the 20th century progressed, the legendary Rudolf Uhlenhaut emerged as a key figure. Uhlenhaut, an accomplished engineer and the driving force behind the iconic Silver Arrows, played a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's dominance in motorsports. His engineering prowess and attention to detail were instrumental in creating some of the most formidable racing cars of the era.
In the latter half of the century, figures like Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, left an indelible imprint on the brand's aesthetic identity. Sacco's design philosophy, characterized by clean lines and timeless elegance, shaped iconic models like the W126 S-Class and the W201 190E, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury and sophistication.
The narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of engineers like Hans Scherenberg, whose leadership in the 1970s ushered in a new era of technological innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Scherenberg's tenure saw the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and the introduction of airbags in production cars.