Lot details
Registration No: 771 XUH
Chassis No: 1880115500020
Mot Expiry: Nov 2013

"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" (Autocar).

Introduced at the October 1951 Paris Salon, Mercedes-Benz's flagship 300S (W188) range drew comparisons with its pre-WW2 540K (W29) line-up. Handbuilt to an exacting standard, the newcomer was underpinned by a cross-braced ovoid tubular chassis frame that featured all-round independent suspension, hydraulic drum brakes, worm and sector steering (later replaced by a recirculating ball set-up) and an innovative rear load-levelling control. All new, the W188's 2996cc SOHC straight-six engine boasted such niceties as a hardened crankshaft, alloy cylinder head, deep water jackets, thermostatically controlled oil cooling, triple Solex carburettors and copper-lead bearings. Designed to withstand the rigours of high-speed autobahn cruising, it was allied to four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission. Available in Coupe, Cabriolet and Roadster guises, the 300S proved capable of lapping the Nurburgring faster than any previous Mercedes-Benz production car.

Honed by Silver Arrows ace Karl Kling, the W188 range was nevertheless unashamedly luxurious. Beautifully finished, its interiors were a match for anything that Britain or France's finest coachbuilders could concoct. A riot of voluptuous curves that stopped just short of pastiche, the 300S Coupe exuded style and confidence in equal measure. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz's own tests have recently revealed that the W188 is considerably more aerodynamic than its similarly iconic (but much younger) W113 'Pagoda' sibling. Though, overshadowed by the sportier 300SL (W198) Gullwing, the 300S Coupe was some 4,000DM more expensive when new. A genuine rival to the Bentley R-Type HJ Mulliner Fastback Continental, the Mercedes-Benz 300S Coupe was barely less exclusive with production totalling just 216 between July 1952 and August 1955.

Finished in Gloss Black with Red leather upholstery, this particular example - chassis number 188011-55-00020 - is understood to have enjoyed just four keepers and to have covered a mere 106,000km from new. Exported from Germany to the USA by Mr Gert Schultheis in 1968, the Mercedes-Benz returned to Europe some twenty-eight years later. Acquired by its previous owner, Monsieur Christian Baverey of Brussles, in 2006, that same year saw the 300S Coupe treated to the following: refurbished interior woodwork, re-coloured (original) leather upholstery, bespoke fitted luggage and new carpets not to mention some engine fettling and a thorough brake system overhaul. Imported to the UK by its last registered custodian during 2008, the 2+2-seater has since benefited from a full respray, carburettor overhaul (including ultrasonic cleaning) and extensive rechroming.

Worthy of close inspection, this undeniably handsome and aristocratic Mercedes-Benz is offered for sale with a variety of German, American and Belgian paperwork, reprinted (1971) Type 300S handbook, numerous restoration photos, UK V5C Registration Document and current MOT certificate. Undervalued in today's market, the W188 arguably has great sleeper potential.