1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster
- Engine
- 3.0L inline-six with three Solex carburetors, uprated compression, 150 hp
One of just 141 examples of the Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster produced between 1952 and 1958, this car was delivered new in Europe before making its way to the United States during the 1950s. It spent 63 years with a single Northern California family across three generations, accumulating an appealing long-term patina. Notably, it was converted early in its life to a floor-shifted configuration similar to that found on the 300 SL. A recent mechanical service and light cosmetic work have been carried out without disturbing its original character.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$324,000
- 1959 → 2022Acquisition unknownMr. Weil of Northern Californiapartial documentation
The vehicle was treasured across three successive generations of the Weil family over a span of roughly six decades, arriving in the US during the 1950s before formal acquisition in 1959.
- 2022 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Commissioned a mechanical overhaul and light cosmetic work from Fast Car Ltd. in Redondo Beach, California, including engine re-sealing, a new soft-top, and fresh carpeting.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryEuropean first ownerpartial documentation
Reportedly took delivery in Europe; the car was said to have been modified to a floor-shift configuration during this early period of ownership.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2022MechanicalFast Car Ltd.
Comprehensive mechanical service including removal and re-sealing of the engine, fitting of a new convertible top, and replacement of the interior carpeting; overall cosmetic refurbishment also carried out.
Work was commissioned by the current consignor following acquisition in early 2022; the car's patina from long-term prior ownership was intentionally preserved.
- —Modification
The column gear-shift was converted to a floor-shift arrangement, comparable to the setup used on the 300 SL coupe and roadster, reportedly carried out during the car's early years.
Exact date and workshop unknown; described as having occurred early in the car's life.
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