Lot 131

London 2013

1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster

Mercedes Collection

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£330,400 GBP | Sold

United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom

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Chassis No.
188.012.4500026

150 bhp, 2,996 cc overhead-cam inline six-cylinder engine with triple downdraft Solex carburettors, four-speed column shift manual transmission, double wishbone coil-spring and torsion bar independent front suspension, coil-spring swing axle rear suspension, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,900 mm

Bridging the gap between the Classic and Modern Eras, the Mercedes-Benz 300 was launched in 1952 with an unbeatable combination of modern engineering and performance and elegant Old World build quality. Built to uncompromising standards and employing the latest materials and technologies to achieve maximum power and minimum weight, each car was lavished with beautiful finishes and woodwork, and it could travel at triple digit speeds with a full load of cosseted occupants and their luggage.

The 300 S was built upon the already luxurious 300 series, with extra attention being given to the exterior appearance and build quality, which resulted in it being priced nearly 50 per cent higher than its counterparts. Equipped with triple Solex carburettors that are mounted to the 2,996-cubic centimetre engine, which can produce 150 horsepower, this automobile was arguably one of the best luxury touring cars available in the 1950s.

This gorgeous 300 S is one of only 141 roadsters built. It was delivered new in Frankfurt, Germany, on 1 June 1954, and it was originally painted silver grey, DB 125, and came with a blue leather interior, 1071, and a blue soft top. It displays in a fetching stone grey colour, which shows only light polishing marks. The elegant brightwork, which has been lovingly maintained, adorns the body without detracting from the refined statuesque styling. A desirable addition of dual fog lights and a hood-mounted spotlight contribute additional purpose and character. The corresponding black cloth top and Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tyres that adorn the grey-painted wheels complete the dashing exterior.

The underside of the car is finished in a presentable gloss black that has only minor soiling from use. In the engine compartment, the robust six-cylinder engine appears to have been treated to a respectable detailing, including newer hoses, wiring, paint detailing of many ancillary components, and polishing of the valve cover.

The interior is appointed in welcoming and inviting worn grey leather and complementary blue-grey carpeting. Highlighting the interior ensemble are a Becker Mexico radio and rakish-looking blue acrylic sun visors, which leave no room for interpretation that this is anything other than a luxury automobile. A beige headliner, which is fitted inside the top, presents no apparent flaws. The wood trim is stained to a dark colour, which makes it well suited to the rest of the car, it appears to demonstrate only light wear on the top of the doors and near the dash components. A full-size whitewall spare tyre and tool kit are fitted to the boot, which is also finished in blue-grey carpet, and which boasts generous luggage capacity. Beautifully outfitted and eminently usable, this 300 S would be well suited to weekend touring in style.