1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé with sliding steel sunroof. Coachwork by Sindelfingen. Estimate €475,000 - 575,000 (£350,000 - 420,000). Photo Bonhams
Chassis no. 188.014-7500020 - Engine no. 199.980-6500131
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 540 K 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.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé with sliding steel sunroof. Coachwork by Sindelfingen. Estimate €475,000 - 575,000 (£350,000 - 420,000). Photo Bonhams
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 300 SL sports car's, the 3.0-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 1,780kg (almost 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 300 S. At US$12,500 the latter was more than double the price of the most expensive Cadillac and costlier than a 300 SL, 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 176km/h (109mph), a figure improved upon by the subsequent 300 Sc introduced towards the end of 1955 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 300 Sc featured a 175bhp dry-sump engine equipped with fuel injection, and boasted revised rear suspension with single-pivot swing axles similar to that of the 300 SL Roadster, a development that enhanced both roadholding and handling. The car's top speed was now 180km/h (112mph) with 100km/k (62mph) 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 300 S family represents 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 300 Sc is widely regarded by discerning collectors as the most desirable of all Mercedes-Benz's post-war luxury models. Only 300 examples of the 300 Sc were built and survivors are both rare and highly sought after.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé with sliding steel sunroof. Coachwork by Sindelfingen. Estimate €475,000 - 575,000 (£350,000 - 420,000). Photo Bonhams
One of only 98 built with this particular body style, this stunning and ultra-rare 300 Sc coupé left the factory on 13th June 1957 and was delivered to the Mercedes-Benz main dealer in Düsseldorf (data sheet on file). Painted in its original black with contrasting red leather interior, it also features the very rare, large sliding steel sunroof, which makes it an excellent proposition for summer touring.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé with sliding steel sunroof. Coachwork by Sindelfingen. Estimate €475,000 - 575,000 (£350,000 - 420,000). Photo Bonhams
Purchased by the vendor in 2009 via a Dutch dealer, who had imported it from the United States, the 300 Sc was in a condition necessitating a comprehensive restoration to return the car to its former glory. The owner entrusted the task to Northern German Mercedes-Benz restoration expert Jürgen Swoboda, who commenced work in January 2010. There is insufficient space in this catalogue to list all the works carried out, but copies of the restoration invoices totalling approximately €120,000 are on file. Importantly, wherever possible original components were used, and the beautiful interior woodwork is still original, having been restored and re-lacquered. It is worth noting that even the very rarely found ashtray with its ingenious folding mechanism is still present and in working order. The restoration was finished in April 2011 and the car is described as in 'Condition 2+', such is the quality of the workmanship.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé with sliding steel sunroof. Coachwork by Sindelfingen. Estimate €475,000 - 575,000 (£350,000 - 420,000). Photo Bonhams
Since the restoration's completion the owner has enjoyed this fabulous Mercedes-Benz on many a trip to Switzerland, Austria and in his native Germany. To make this heavy car more manoeuvrable, he had electric power steering fitted in 2013, a sensible modification that can easily be removed should the next custodian so desire. Resplendent in its original colour combination of black with red leather interior, this 300 Sc is so much rarer than the 300 SL Gullwing or Roadster whose basic engine and fuel injection it shares, and surely represents a shrewd investment as well as being an eminently useable touring car. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned copies of restoration invoices, a copy of the delivery sheet and German Historic registration papers.
1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé with sliding steel sunroof. Coachwork by Sindelfingen. Estimate €475,000 - 575,000 (£350,000 - 420,000). Photo Bonhams
Bonhams. THE MERCEDES-BENZ SALE, 28 Mar 2015 14:00 CET - STUTTGART, MERCEDES-BENZ MUSEUM
