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 even 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. To cope with the improved performance servo-assisted brakes, optional from 1954, were standardised. Production of the 300Sc continued until April 1958, by which time a mere 200 had been made. 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. This car - chassis number ‘550001’ - is the first of the 98 300Sc Coupés made and has the four-speed column gearchange and rare factory sunroof. The car has spent much of its life in California and was acquired circa 1968 from an antique dealer on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA by noted 300Sc marque specialist Chuck Brahms. A good rust free example, it was fully restored by Mr Brahms for his own use and two years later sold to Mr Arthur Hadley, of Rolling Hills, CA. Mr Hadley used the car only sparingly, and in 1997 sold it to Pebble Beach winner Sam Mann, of Englewood, New Jersey, who kept it until 2003 when it was acquired by the current owner. While in Mr Mann’s ownership the car underwent further mechanical renovation and comes with invoices totalling approximately $21,000 for the period January 1999 to December 2000 together with old State of New Jersey Certificate of Title. Also included in the sale are two pieces of fitted luggage, twin spare wheels, jack and wheel brace. The 300Sc is widely regarded by discerning collectors as the most desirable of all Mercedes-Benz’s post-war luxury models, to which this one adds the not inconsiderable cachet of being the first of the line. Local taxes will apply if the car remains in the EU but it may of course be imported via Monaco (for local residents at 5.5€or Great Britain (at 5Ž Cette automobile – châssis numéro ‘550001’ – est la première des 98 300Sc coupés fabriquées et, est dôtée d’un changement des quatre