HISTORY of the 300S & Sc ----------

The 300S and 300Sc series cars were the top of the line cars. These two-door automobiles are extremely rare and desireable. due to the extremely low production figures of a mere 760 units! First shown in October 1951 at the Paris Salon, they relied heavily on the technology of the Type 300. The 300S has majestic styling and it offered the most power seen in a postwar design, with a fully independent rear suspension and a gracefully curved rear deck. Initially, it was available in two body styles; a fixed roof coupe with an elegantly formal air and a convertible with functional landau bars. A third style called the roadster could be specified. It had no landau bars and a top that completely disappeared when folded. Road and Track magazine stated, "Where the Mercedes Benz 300S has been since its first appearance it has caused a quiet riot of enthusiasum and its attitude of 'going' even when it's standing still." Often considered inspired by the 540K of the 1930s, Mercedes raised the engine compression over the 300 model to 7.8:1 using 3 Solex downdraft carburetors resulting in 150HP at 5000 rpm, meaning the car could exceed 100km/h in less than 15 seconds and attain almost 180km/h. The Cabriolet model features huge chromed irons on the sides of its convertible top, with a tiny window slot in the back. Prices were between 34,500 and 36,500 DM. * The 300S model was later replaced in production by the 300Sc which a featured fuel injected engine.

In 1955, the S became the Sc by virtue of higher compression and direct block fuel injection. Both were close in specification. The biggest difference between the two is the fuel injection system on the Sc, and the Sc introduced hydrovac power brakes. There are also a few cosmetic differences, such as the 300S has rubber strips on the bumper whereas the 300Sc has solid chrome plate bumpers with the word "einspritzmotor" on the rear bumper. The Sc has a stronger cowl. The transmission cover is not removable. Under the hood on the side panels, the Sc has horizontal chrome moldings.

An automobile which combines old world, hand crafted workmanship with classic styling, interior appointments that are second to none.

When new, the price was a staggering (for the time) $12,500.00. It was the most expensive luxury car of it's day. Twice as much as the 300SL and the American luxury cars of the day. Hence this was a car of the rich and famous including the Aga Khan, The King of Jordan, Prime Minister of Thailand, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Errol Flynn and Cary Grant.

Production Numbers:

Production of 300S models from September 1951 until August 1955

Production of 300Sc models from September/December 1955 to April 1958

Buying A 300 S & Sc

Know what you're buying and what to look for and know what to avoid.

When these cars are well maintained and properly taken care of, they increase in value. Currently: (these are approximate values based on actual sales of vehicles.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- values last upated SEPTEMBER/2011

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!

A car's value is determined by condition. Standard condition guidelines are as follows:

Excellent- A close to perfect original or a very well restored vehicle. Generally a body-off restoration, but a well done body-on restoration that has been fully detailed may qualify. The vehicle is stunning to look at and any flaws are trivial and not readily apparent. Everything works as new, all equipment is original, NOS or excellent quality reproductions. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT # 1 CARS ARE VERY RARE, AND ARE ORIGINAL RIGHT DOWN TO THE HOSE CLAMPS. DO NOT ASSUME THAT JUST BECAUSE A CAR HAS A #1 ASKING PRICE, THAT IT IS IN # 1 CONDITION. MOST CARS FOR SALE OUT THERE ARE LOW # 2 TO HIGH # 3 CARS.

Very Good- An extremely presentable vehicle showing minimal wear, or a well restored vehicle. Runs and drives smooth and tight. Needs no mechanical or cosmetic work. All areas have been detailed. Beautiful to look at but clearly not a # 1 vehicle.

Good- Presentable inside and out with some signs of wear. Not detailed but clean. Body should be straight and solid with no rust-through anywhere. Shiny, attractive paint but may have evidence of minor fading or checking or other imperfections. Runs and drives well but may need some minor mechanical or cosmetic work. But it is useable and enjoyable as is.

Fair- Runs and drives ok but needs work throughout the vehicle. Body shows signs of wear or previous restoration work. Any rust should be minimal and not in any structural areas. Cosmetics, body and mechanicals all need work to some degree.

Poor- In need of complete restoration, but is complete and not a rust bucket beyond repair. May or may not run but is not roadworthy.

These values are from Collector Car Market Review and are based on actual sales of vehicles, not on asking prices of vehicles. Asking prices, and sales prices are very different. -

Keep in mind that due to the high cost of restoration, mint examples of these cars can and have sold for more than the prices quoted here.

Due to the high cost of these cars, your best bet is to have any car you are considering purchasing completely checked out by a professional. Condition of a car CANNOT be determined by its location. Don't be fooled by a car's current geographical location. Just because a car is in California today, does not mean that is where it started life. It is very important to find complete, unchanged cars. Items on the exterior of this particular car are hard to find, and are unique to these automobiles. Rust is not a real problem on this car; however it is always a good idea to check. The box sections under the door sills can get rusty. Because of trapped moisture, it is important to check for rust in the trunk floor and also around the headlights.

Where to find the engine number and chassis number. Chassis number plate can be found on the firewall. Look at the car in general. Walk around the car several times looking at the gaps for the doors, trunk and hood. Look at the general overall condition of the car.

The chassis number prefixes are as follows:

Technical Specifications of the 300S & Sc