Mercedes-Benz’s flagship 300-series sedan debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951. The large, elegant six-cylinder offering was graceful yet imposing, a statement of European luxury that was available in either four-door sedan or striking four-door full convertible configurations. The 300 received great praise for its exceptional engineering and build quality and was a favorite of celebrities and heads of state alike, including West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, whose affinity for the sedan earned it its eponymous nickname.

Shortly after the big sedan and convertible debuted, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a sporting version, the 300 S—the “S” denoting it as "Super." This new variant bridged the gap between the four-door 300 and the much-anticipated 300 SL sports car. The 300 S chassis was shortened by 25 centimeters and was available as an elegant closed coupe, a disappearing-top roadster, or a beautiful open-topped cabriolet.

The 300 S on offer is one of just 203 Cabriolet A examples produced through the seven-year production run. Its data card indicates it was originally sold finished in blue (DB 320) over brown leather interior, and boasted the same chassis, engine, and body numbers as present. Now finished in black over a tan leather interior with matching black piping, this flagship, hand-built Mercedes-Benz was built with the finest materials at the automaker’s Sindelfingen works. Jewel-like switchgear and a forest’s worth of burled wood grace the elegant interior. The stylish VDO instrumentation provides clear readouts of oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, speed, and amps for the keen enthusiast behind the wheel. The exterior features Bosch driving lights, a single driver’s mirror, and the signature landau iron, while color-matched wheel covers complete the superb presentation. A top boot with bag accompanies the Mercedes-Benz for top-down driving.

In the esteemed lineage of flagship open-top Mercedes-Benzes, the 300 S stands out thanks to a powerful, high-compression six-cylinder engine and exquisite attention to detail with respect to build quality. A truly exceptional automobile, this Cabriolet A defines stylish luxury.