The three-liter, six-cylinder 300S model Mercedes-Benz was first exhibited in October 1951 at the Paris Salon and production began in 1952. It was designed for the discriminating sports car enthusiast, and was to follow on the pre-war concept of the famous 500K and 540K Series cars that matched elegance with power. These new Singelfingen coachbuilt cars set a new standard of excellence that has to this day rarely been equaled, and has provided a performance far superior to their pre-war counterparts. For example, the supercharged 540K models were developing about 180 bhp and weighed nearly 6,000 pounds. The 300Sc has almost similar power and weighs only 4,000 pounds, and with more responsive suspension and better tires, was much faster. In fact, the famous pre-war Mercedes Grand Prix driver, Karl Kling, drove around Nurburgring faster in one of these cars that any other previous road production Mercedes-Benz.
Three body styles were available: coupe, convertible coupe, and roadster, and each body was hand finished to an exacting standard. The interior design and fittings were comparable to any Rolls Royce and were of the finest materials. The large well-padded front seats are trimmed in top grade leather and luxury pile carpet is used throughout. The four-speed gearbox was available with either column- or floor-mounted gearchange; the 300Sc pictured here has its column-mounted. The spacious rear trunk had a full set of fitted personal luggage in matching interior leather trim. The 300 Series three-liter six-cylinder engine in its final SC configuration had Bosch direct fuel injection which provided true sports car performance with a top speed well exceeding 110 mph. The basis of this engine was used by the 300SL Gullwing and roadsters which, both in motor sport and sales, re-established Daimler Benz as one of the world's leading quality car manufacturers.
This particular roadster was one of a mere fifty-three ever made. The Sc model, being introduced in 1955, had a very brief production run. These cars were hand built and, when new, showed the highest amount of quality and attention to detail. Mr. Gary Gallup purchased this roadster in July 1980. It was described by Christie's auction company as a good driving example, with the overall condition indicative of an older restoration.
The woodwork was in fair condition and the chrome, although presentable, was slightly mottled inside the car. The bumpers were also presentable, however they have a few areas of poor chromework. Equipment with the car included a Becker radio (working), tinted sunvisors, beige top boot and top (with one small tear), spare wheel and jack, new correct wheels and European specification headlamps. Since joining Mr. Gallup's collection, this handsome and desirable Sc roadster has been used sparingly and driven perhaps less than 1,000 miles in the past seventeen years.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
Vehicle: | 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc |
This car sold for $185,000 at Christie’s Pebble Beach Auction on August 17, 1997.
Sc Roadsters are the Holy Grail of non-Gullwing Mercedes fanatics. Only 53 were built from 1955-58.
The SCM Price Guide lists a value range for very good 300Sc roadsters of $230,000 – $275,000.
This car, in decent but not exceptional condition, should be considered well bought if the chassis, suspension and drivetrain were not hiding any surprises.
300Sc roadsters will always be blue-chip collectibles, and will keep pace with the front of the market. – ED.
Photo credit: David Gooley.