Beschreibung:

Right from the marque’s creation in 1926 by the merger of Daimler-Benz and Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz’s top-of-the-range models have ranked in the forefront of the world’s greatest automobiles. Throughout the 1950s the company’s flagship model was the 300S, a luxurious Grand Tourer in the tradition of the pre-war 540K that was both lighter and faster than its illustrious predecessor. Mercedes-Benz’s first prestige car of the post-WW2 period, the 300 debuted at the Paris Salon in 1951. The range comprised the six-light, four-door saloon and similar-sized cabriolet, plus a trio of two-door variants built on a shorter wheelbase. Like the majority of 1950s luxury cars, the 300 retained a separate chassis, though unlike most of its rivals could boast all-independent suspension. Later to form the basis of the immortal 300SL sports car’s, the 3-litre, overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine produced 115bhp, an output good enough to endow the saloon with a genuine 100mph maximum speed despite an all-up weight of around 4,000lbs. And while not unique in that respect, the 300 could cruise at close to its maximum speed while transporting six passengers in comfort in a manner that few of its contemporaries could match. Even more performance was available to those in a position to afford a 300S. At US$12,500 the latter was more than double the price of the most expensive Cadillac and costlier than a 300SL, so remained the province of a highly select clientele. Built in coupé, cabriolet and roadster versions, the 300S enjoyed an extra 35bhp courtesy of an increased compression ratio and three - as opposed to two - Solex down-draught carburettors. Its top speed was 109mph, a figure improved upon by the subsequent 300Sc introduced towards the end of 1955 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 300Sc featured a 175bhp dry-sump engine equipped with Bosch fuel injection, and boasted revised rear suspension with single-pivot swing axles similar to that of the 300SL Roadster, a development that enhanced both roadholding and handling. The car’s top speed was now in excess of 110mph, with 60mph reachable in around 13 seconds. To cope with the improved performance servo-assisted brakes, optional from 1954, were standardised. Coachbuilt in the traditional manner by Sindelfingen, the 300S family represent a standard of excellence that has rarely been equalled; only materials of the finest quality were used for the hand finished interiors, which were comparable with those of the contemporary Rolls-Royce. The 300Sc is widely regarded by discerning collectors as the most desirable of all Mercedes-Benz’s post-war luxury models. Only 200 examples of the 300Sc were built and survivors are both rare and highly sought after. Purchased new from the factory in 1957, this 300Sc Cabriolet remained in its original Norwegian owner's hands for thirty years before coming into the vendor's possession in 1991. Since then the car has not been used. Finished in black with red leather interior, it was completely restored in the late 1980s by Mercedes-Benz in Aachen and comes with their letter of confirmation (dated 29th November 1995) listing in detail the work carried out. We are advised that the engine, transmission, running gear, bodywork and interior remain in excellent condition. The car comes with Norwegian registration papers and we are advised that EU import taxes have been paid. Carrossée dans la grande tradition de Sindelfingen, la famille 300S affiche un niveau d'excellence rarement atteint. Seuls, des matériaux de la meilleure qualité étaient utilisés pour l'exécution manuelle des finitions intérieures que l'on peut comparer à celles des Rolls-Royce contemporaines. La 300Sc est généralement considérée par les amateurs éclairés comme la plus désirable des Mercedes de luxe d'après 1945. Il n'a pas été produit plus de 200 exemplaires de 300SC et les survivants sont aussi rares que recherchés par les collectionneurs. Acquise neuve à l'usine en 1957, cette 300Sc Cabriolet est