In 1951, Mercedes-Benz returned to its prewar magnificence with the all-new 300 series, The new 300 series was commonly known as the “Adenauer” due to its association with German Chancellor Dr. Konrad Adenauer, the driving force behind the reconstruction of Germany following the devastation of World War II. Following the standard 300 and uprated 300 S, the fuel-injected 300 Sc debuted in 1955. The 300 Sc had an extremely limited production of just 200 total examples which included just 98 coupes, including the automobile offered here.

Bodied by the craftsmen at Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen coachworks, the 300 Sc was executed with the finest Old-World craftsmanship and the best materials available anywhere. Fine details abound throughout, including intricate, hand-formed and fitted panels, extensive yet tasteful brightwork, luxurious leather upholstery, and superbly beautiful wooden interior trim. Despite weighing in at nearly 4,000 pounds, the 300 Sc was capable of exceeding 110 mph, making this car a direct competitor for GT cars of the period all while maintaining the serene heights of interior luxury for driver and passenger alike. This, truly, was a special automobile available only to the upper echelons of the automobile buying public. And that exclusivity came at a cost. While a comparatively pedestrian 300 SL Gullwing could be purchased new for around $7,500, the 300 Sc came in at nearly double the price, starting at $12,457.00 (before accessorizing!).

Accompanied by a copy of its factory build record, this 300 Sc is an export model which was completed on February 10, 1956. Originally finished in the attractive color scheme of Metallic Green (Code 274) with Cream leather upholstery, the car was dispatched to New York ten days after it was completed. Interestingly, the vehicle’s rear passenger compartment was equipped with a single jump seat opposing an open area sufficient for two sets of golf clubs, making this a particularly sporting and intriguing example.

While little is known of its early years, the owner’s manual accompanying this 300 Sc does contain a stamped entry on the inside back cover reading “Dayton, Ohio.” During the mid-1980s, this 300 Sc was discovered in the collection of a Minnesota beet farmer by Southern California restorer and model expert Chuck Brahms. Soon thereafter, the 300 Sc was acquired by Mercedes-Benz enthusiast Gary Gallup, who stored it with his friend Robin Onsoien, the proprietor of Early Motors in Nipomo, California, on the understanding that Mr. Onsoien would eventually perform an extensive restoration of the vehicle.

The car spent approximately twenty years in clean, dry storage before a five year restoration project commenced in 2007. Following disassembly of the vehicle’s complex bodywork, the panels were prepared and then refinished in the beautiful shade of Metallic Burgundy before being carefully reassembled. As the knowledgeable Mercedes-Benz enthusiast will know, reassembling a 300 Sc is one of the most difficult tasks in automotive restoration, with the alignment of the complex door assemblies dictating the placement and alignment of all other panels. Jack's Upholstery of Santa Maria trimmed the Belgian-sourced leather hides and expertly installed the opulent tan headliner and carpeting. Lesco Engines of San Luis Obispo, California rebuilt the original fuel-injected inline six-cylinder engine. During this process, numerous factory-correct parts were sourced from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California. Three separate wiring harnesses are used to power the Sc’s systems, and each was completely replaced. Exterior and interior chrome brightwork was renewed by Christensen Plating of Vernon, California. The well-detailed engine bay visually confirms the extremely limited mileage since the restoration was completed. This 300 Sc is superbly equipped with SL-type alloy-rimmed wheels.

As the ultimate expression of the 300 model line, more exclusive and much rarer than its “SL” siblings, it is a highly capable and luxurious machine. Superbly beautiful, this 300 Sc is one of fewer than 100 coupes built and, consequently, is truly fit for any of the world’s most committed Mercedes-Benz connoisseurs.