1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Roadster Chassis no. 18801200309/53 Body no. 1881800106/53

1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Roadster Chassis no. 18801200309/53Body no. 1881800106/53
2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine3 Solex Carburetors150bhp at 5,000rpm4-Speed Manual 'Floor Shift' Transmission4-Wheel Independent Suspension4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes*Single-family ownership in the mild California climate for more than 62 years*One of just 141 examples made of the highly collectible 300S Roadster model*Factory equipped with rare floor-shift option, fitted luggage and period Becker Nürburg radio*Highly desirable, hand-built Flagship Mercedes-Benz model *Among the most luxurious cars available in the 1950sTHE MERCEDES-BENZ 300 SERIESMore expensive than the 300SL sports car and almost double the price of the contemporary top-of-the-range Cadillac, the Mercedes-Benz 300S was one of the world's most exclusive automobiles. It is also historically significant as one of Mercedes-Benz's first all-new designs of the post-war era, debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951. The 300's arrival re-established Mercedes-Benz in the front rank of prestige car manufacturers, marking as it did a return to the marque's tradition of building high-performance luxury automobiles of the finest quality."To the characteristics of high performance, impressive appearance and fine detail finish which distinguished the big Mercedes models of pre-war days are added new virtues of silence, flexibility and lightness of control, while the latest rear suspension, a product of long experience on Grand Prix cars and touring cars, confers a degree of security at high speeds on rough and slippery surfaces which it would be very difficult indeed to equal," observed Autocar magazine.Custom built by Mercedes-Benz's most experienced craftsmen, the Mercedes-Benz 300 was luxuriously appointed and trimmed with materials of the highest quality. Fast and elegant, it was one of very few contemporary vehicles capable of carrying six passengers in comfort at sustained high speeds. The 300 was the car of choice among West German government officials, and throughout Europe and the USA was widely favored by businessmen, financiers and politicians. Indeed, 'Adenauer' became the 300's unofficial model name, after German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, its most famous customer. The conservatively styled 300 Saloon was soon joined by the 300S (Super), a model that succeeded in recapturing all the elegance of the pre-war 540K. Introduced at the Paris Salon in October 1951, the 300S was built in two-seater Coupe, Cabriolet and Roadster forms on a shortened 300 saloon chassis. Not only was the two-seater 300S considerably lighter than the saloon, it was also more powerful, boasting an engine equipped with triple (as opposed to twin) Solex carburetors and a raised compression ratio. Maximum power output was increased to 150bhp and top speed to 110mph (176km/h). Unlike some of its spartanly furnished contemporaries, the 300S boasted a lavishly equipped interior featuring supple leather upholstery; beautiful burr walnut trim, chromium-plated dashboard instrumentation and precision-made switchgear.THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDUndeniably beautiful, the 300S models looked exactly what they were, well-built, well-engineered and designed. Mercedes-Benz was arguably far ahead of the curve with their offerings of hard to improve upon coachwork in the pre-war era. As the 1950s began they were even clearer in their tailoring of types of cars and appropriate bodies for their clientele. For the 'S' designation 300 models, the very ultimate in luxury was presented in three forms a Coupe, Cabriolet and this; the sporting Roadster.This very example emerged from the Stuttgart-Untertürheim Mercedes-Benz plant in 1953, built largely by hand. The new 300S Roadster is believed to have remained in Europe for the first few years and is reported to have returned back to the Mercedes-Benz factory early on, where the traditional column-mounted gearshift assembly was changed to the more sporting floor mounted position, much like that fitted to the 300SL sports cars. The luxurious 300S Roadster made its way to the US during the 1950s, and was here purchased by Mr. Weil, a Bay Area, California resident in 1959. Fascinating indeed, the car has remained in the Weil family ever since, passing on to Mr. Weil's son, and recently passed on to Mr. Weil's granddaughter. Professional restoration work was performed on the Mercedes-Benz in 1969, when the car was repainted, and the bumpers replated. The engine also received a rebuild in later years, less than 4,000 miles ago. Today this 300S Roadster presents in lovely condition inside and out and must be among the best-kept examples of the rare model produced in just 141 units. The beautiful Tobacco-colored interior shows a lovely patina - much like and old baseball glove - and indeed looks to be original, testimony to the high quality of these luxurious cars. What appears to be the original wood adorns the Roadster cabin, and a factory-fitted Becker Nürburg radio is situated in the dashboard, along with the original VDO gauges. The creamy, pale yellow exterior color suits the graceful design and era of the Mercedes-Benz Roadster perfectly and goes very well with the interior color. Much of the original chrome and brightwork remains in situ, as does much of the glass, and Bosch headlight and driving lights are fitted out front. The engine compartment remains largely original, and all in all the factory-correctness is impressive throughout, and it is apparent that the inherent quality of these impressive Flag Ship Mercedes-Benz models shines through now nearly seven decades after it was built. The rear luggage compartment is trimmed with original factory Karl Baisch fitted luggage, with the lovely tartan lining. Two spare wheels are also located there, along with the factory jack and wheel wrench, the very rare original Mercedes-Benz tire gauge in original box, and the original owner's manuals can be found in the glovebox. Additionally, the rare spare parts supply in wooden box is offered with the car, the kit that contains spare lightbulbs, belts, gaskets and so forth. The 300S Roadster was recently treated to a comprehensive cosmetic recommissioning, as well as being brought back to running order by Robert Blade's Classic Car Services. A new battery was fitted, spark plugs replaced, and other tweaks carried out. It is a privilege to offer such rare and desirable Mercedes-Benz from 62 years of devoted, continuous single-family ownership, and certainly a car that deserves serious consideration.