The 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster stands as a paragon of automotive luxury and a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s resurgence in the post-World War II era. More exclusive than the celebrated 300 SL sports car and commanding nearly double the price of a top-tier Cadillac at the time, the 300 S was the ultimate statement of prestige and sophistication on wheels. This hand-built masterpiece not only re-established Mercedes-Benz as a leader in luxury car manufacturing but also echoed the marque’s storied tradition of creating high-performance, exquisitely crafted automobiles.
Debuting in the autumn of 1951, the Mercedes-Benz 300 was among the first entirely new designs from the German automaker following the war. While Mercedes-Benz would later embrace unibody construction for its more mainstream models throughout the 1950s, the 300 series retained a classic separate chassis. This traditional approach allowed for a variety of coachbuilt bodies, showcasing the versatility and bespoke nature of the 300 platform. The chassis itself, featuring cross-braced oval tubes, was a sophisticated evolution of the frameworks used in the 170S and 220 models. It incorporated fully independent suspension, drum brakes on all four wheels, and further refinements such as a hypoid bevel final drive, dynamically balanced wheels, and electrically controlled rear suspension height adjustment.
The heart of the 300 was its robust 3.0-liter, overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine. Initially producing 115bhp, this engine – famously adapted with fuel injection for the 300 SL – was progressively enhanced in subsequent 300b and 300c iterations. The 300d model of 1957 marked a significant leap forward with the introduction of fuel injection. Further advancements across the 300 range included larger, more effective brakes (with power assistance becoming standard from 1954), optional power steering (on the 300d), and the adoption of a three-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment on the later models.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 was meticulously assembled by Mercedes-Benz’s most skilled artisans, resulting in an interior that exuded opulence. The cabin was lavishly appointed with the finest quality materials, including supple leather upholstery, exquisite burr walnut wood trim, gleaming chrome-plated dashboard instruments, and precision-engineered switchgear. Beyond its luxurious appointments, the 300 was a genuinely high-performance vehicle for its era. Its blend of speed and elegance made it one of the few cars capable of comfortably transporting six passengers at sustained high speeds.
While the conservatively styled 300 saloon was well-received, it was the 300 S (for “Super”) that truly captured the spirit of pre-war Mercedes-Benz grandeur, reminiscent of the legendary 540K. Unveiled at the Paris Salon in October 1951, the 300 S was offered in two-seater coupe, cabriolet, and roadster configurations, all built upon a shortened 300 saloon chassis. Among the soft-top variants, the cabriolet was positioned as the more luxurious option. However, the roadster, with its sleek lines and open-air appeal, offered a unique blend of sportiness and sophistication. Notably, with its insulated top raised, the 300 S cabriolet achieved a level of quietness and comfort comparable to the fixed-roof coupe.
The two-seater 300 S variants were not only more visually striking than the saloon but also offered enhanced performance. The engine in the 300 S was upgraded with triple Solex carburetors (compared to the twin carburetors in the standard 300) and a higher compression ratio. This resulted in a boosted power output of 150bhp and a top speed reaching 176km/h (110mph). In contrast to some contemporary sports cars with spartan interiors, the 300 S maintained Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury. Its lavishly appointed interior featured supple leather upholstery, beautiful burr walnut trim, chromium-plated dashboard instrumentation, and meticulously crafted switchgear.
Stylistically, the 300 S elegantly blended pre-war design aesthetics with cutting-edge technology of the time. Built to Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering quality standards, production was inherently limited. Between 1951 and 1958, only 760 examples of the 300 S/Sc models were produced, with a mere 194 of those being roadsters. Ownership of such an exclusive automobile was naturally limited to an elite clientele, including luminaries like film icons Cary Grant and Gary Cooper, and spiritual leader Aga Khan. These cars were exceptionally expensive when new and have since cultivated a dedicated following among collectors. Significantly rarer than both the iconic 300 SL Gullwing and Roadster, the 300 S Roadster offers its fortunate owners a uniquely stylish and rewarding motoring experience.
The specific 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster detailed here boasts a compelling history. Originally delivered to Spain, as evidenced by the ‘Angel Martinez Burges, Barcelona’ supplier plaque, this particular example has been cherished by its current collector vendor for an impressive 45 years. During this long-term ownership, the Mercedes underwent a comprehensive restoration and has been meticulously maintained by the owner’s team of mechanics. Accompanying the vehicle is a collection of documentation, including Spanish registration papers, restoration photographs, a 1953 manufacturer’s catalog, a build sheet (showing some discoloration with age), and an original owner’s manual.
In the lineage of grand touring automobiles like the pre-war 540K, the 300 S surpassed its ancestor in numerous ways. It offered greater speed, superior handling, enhanced comfort, and overall refinement. As Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model, the 300 S was designed for a discerning and affluent clientele who demanded both exceptional performance and uncompromised luxury. Today, the 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster is recognized as one of the most desirable post-war Mercedes-Benz automobiles. This particular example presents a remarkable opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history and enjoy an unparalleled ownership experience.
