1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé
- Colour
- Black
The Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé, introduced at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show, was a hand-built luxury grand tourer styled by Hermann Ahrens as a tribute to the pre-war 540 K. This example, delivered in April 1955 to its first owner in Heidelberg, retains its original black over red leather specification, Becker Mexico radio, and fitted luggage. After spending decades in the United States, it was repatriated to Europe in 2006 and subsequently underwent both cosmetic and comprehensive mechanical restoration.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €293,000 (≈ $322K)
- 1955-04-07 →Factory deliveryRudolf Thissenfull documentation
First registered owner, based in Heidelberg; took delivery of the car in its original black-over-red specification with Becker radio and matching luggage.
- → 2006US-based owner or ownersnone documentation
Car was kept in the United States for an unspecified period prior to 2006; individual owners during this tenure are not identified.
- 2006 → 2008Private saleChristian Bavereypartial documentation
Belgian collector who repatriated the car to Europe and commissioned a careful restoration of the interior leather, woodwork, and bodywork.
- 2008 →Private saleSouth African collectorpartial documentation
Engaged marque specialist Thornley Kelham of Cirencester for an 18-month mechanical overhaul covering engine, brakes, suspension, and addition of modern power steering.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2006Restoration
Sympathetic cosmetic restoration following repatriation to Europe: original leather and woodwork were refurbished and the exterior bodywork was repainted.
Commissioned by Christian Baverey.
- —Engine rebuildThornley Kelham
Full engine rebuild carried out as part of an 18-month mechanical restoration programme.
Circa 2008–2010; commissioned by the South African collector owner.
- —MechanicalThornley Kelham
Brake and suspension overhaul, plus fitment of a modern power-steering unit; original steering column retained and accompanies the car.
Part of the same 18-month programme as the engine rebuild; circa 2008–2010.
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