Unveiled at the 1951 Paris Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 300 S continued the tradition of the marque’s grand prewar touring cars. Known internally as the W188, it combined a shortened 300 Sedan chassis with elegant Coupe, Cabriolet A, and Roadster coachwork. Each automobile demanded extensive hand labor at Sindelfingen, where craftsmen individually formed and fitted body panels and carefully finished the leather upholstery, polished wood trim, and intricate brightwork.
\nIntroduced in September 1955, an improved 300 Sc adopted Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection, increasing output to 175 hp, and Mercedes-Benz’s low-pivot, single-joint rear-swing axle. A four-speed manual gearbox completed the drivetrain. Exterior revisions included additional chrome accents and the distinctive “Einspritzmotor” script identifying its fuel-injected engine.
\nPriced above the 300 SL Gullwing, the 300 Sc remained exceptionally exclusive: just 200 were completed before production ended in 1958, including only 98 Coupes, distinguished by their graceful rooflines and enveloping interiors.
\nAccording to its factory build record, this Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupe was delivered on November 12, 1957 through Studebaker- Packard in New York, then Mercedes-Benz’s US distributor. It was specified in White Gray (DB 158) with red leather upholstery, a Becker Mexico radio, automatic antenna, and English-language instrumentation. The Coupe is understood to have been refinished in Blue Gray (DB 166) before its initial sale to suit the first owner’s preference – although this account remains unconfirmed by factory documentation.
\nAfter reportedly passing through two Midwestern owners, the Coupe joined the collection of longtime Mercedes-Benz dealer William Knauz of Lake Forest, Illinois, in 2006. Having serviced the car through his dealership, Knauz pursued its purchase for his own collection, which included a 300 SL Roadster and Gullwing. According to the consignor, an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician maintained the Coupe throughout Knauz’s ownership, with recent work including extensive rebuilding of the suspension and braking systems.
\nRecently acquired from the Knauz estate by the consignor, this largely unrestored example has since benefited from sympathetic care, including minor cosmetic attention. Its original red leather upholstery was preserved, while Tailored Trim of New Philadelphia, Ohio, faithfully reproduced the carpeting in the correct wool weave and color, complete with leather binding. The Becker Mexico radio was also refurbished.
\nReported to run and drive well by the consignor, this Mercedes-Benz retains its original wheels, window glass, interior and exterior brightwork, and matching-numbers engine according to its factory build record. Its books, repair manuals, original carpeting, and a copy of that record accompany the car, along with its spare tire, original jack, and tools.
\nLargely unrestored and benefiting from years of attentive ownership, this 300 Sc Coupe preserves the craftsmanship and refinement that distinguished Mercedes-Benz’s finest postwar automobiles. Its elegant coachwork and richly appointed interior evoke the grandeur of the marque’s prewar offerings, complemented by the advanced engineering of the 300 Sc. Reportedly never exhibited, this teutonic grand tourer offers its next caretaker the opportunity to share it at marque gatherings and suitable concours events, while enjoying the comfort and performance for which the model was prized.
\nPlease note that this vehicle is titled 1958 and as 7500026.
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