Mercedes 300S Cabriolet: Supercar for the Elite
In the early 1950s, if you wanted something that combined elegance, speed & luxury, Mercedes 300S was the prime ticket.
Back in the ’50s, if you were somebody, you drove a Mercedes. But if you represented the very few elite members of society, you drove a Mercedes 300S Cabriolet. This was a highly advanced, sleek, elegant, and powerful machine, with 30 percent higher output than the standard 300S. But stepping up to an S cost an astounding 10 times the price of a regular car, which meant that very few could afford them. Thus, only 203 Cabriolets and 560 total examples were built.
This particular maroon on tan beauty, which sold at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, is one of those 203 cars. And it’s a stunning example of one of the most desirable cars ever produced. The original owner kept the car from new all the way until 1979. Once it changed hands, the new owner decided to treat this Mercedes 300S Cabriolet to a no-expense spared restoration to bring it back to its former glory. The extensive process was completed in 2010, and the results quite simply speak for themselves.
All of the original charm of this amazing car is intact. The exterior is flawless, and sports the correct color, wheels, center caps, and fabric top. The hand-finished burlap walnut adorning the exterior is an absolute work of art. As is the tan leather upholstery, which is also hand rolled and pleated to perfection. The restorer even went to the trouble of adding a set of handmade, reproduction German pigskin luggage to the trunk for that extra special touch.
The result is a car worthy of its reputation. The Mercedes 300S was far beyond its time in the early ’50s, and still looks quite inviting today. Combining speed, elegance, and luxury into one flawless package is something that few automakers have ever successfully accomplished. And even fewer do it quite like Mercedes.
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