Pricier than the 300 SL sports car and nearly double the cost of the top-of-the-line Cadillac of its time, the Mercedes-Benz 300 S stood as a pinnacle of exclusivity. Introduced in 1951, it marked a post-war design resurgence for Mercedes-Benz, reaffirming its position among premier luxury car manufacturers. Unlike the evolving trend towards unitary chassis/body construction, the 300 retained a separate frame, facilitating diverse coachbuilt body types.
Designed by skilled Mercedes-Benz artisans, the 300 offered opulent appointments and top-tier materials. Beyond its conservative 300 saloon counterpart, the 300 S (Super) debuted, capturing pre-war elegance. Launched in 1951, the 300 S came in two-seater coupé, cabriolet, and roadster forms, the cabriolet being the more luxurious. Lighter and more potent than the saloon, the two-seater 300 S featured triple Solex carburettors, a raised compression ratio, and impressive performance.
Elegantly pre-war styled yet technologically advanced, the 300 S adhered to Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering quality standards. Production was limited, with only 760 units leaving the factory between 1951 and 1958, including 203 cabriolets. Ownership of this exclusive automobile was confined to a select few, including notable figures like Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, and the Aga Khan. Despite its initial high cost, the 300 S, rarer than the 300 SL Gullwing and Roadster, grants fortunate owners a unique motoring experience in unparalleled style.
Source: Bonhams Cars
