1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC - $1,495,000 - Costa mesa, CA - Background:
In 1955, Mercedes Benz took their 300S flagship model to the next level, Now identified as the 300Sc by virtue of a higher compression engine and direct Bosch mechanical fuel injection. The biggest difference between the two is the fuel injection system on the Sc, and the Sc also introduced a far superior hydrovac power brake system. There were a few cosmetic differences, such as the 300S having rubber strips on the bumpers whereas the 300Sc has solid chrome plate bumpers with the word "einspritzmotor" on the rear bumper. The Sc has a stronger cowl and other detail difference throughout although many are missed by those not familiar with both models.
When new, the price was a staggering (for the time) $14,600.00. It was the most expensive luxury vehicle of it's day, costing twice as much as the 300SL and the American luxury cars of the day. Hence this was a car of the rich and famous including the Aga Khan, The King of Jordan, Prime Minister of Thailand, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, Errol Flynn and Cary Grant chose when they were set on making an automotive statement and impression.
Chassis 300SC/188013 6500107
This particular 300Sc Cabriolet is one of just 49 examples produced. (Mercedes built an additional 53 Roadsters and 99 Coupes for a total production run of just 200 vehicles.) This vehicle was ordered, purchased and delivered new to Michael K. Smith of Lexington, Kentucky. Smith maintained and preserved this 300Sc until agreeing to a sale in 1984 having covered less than 30,000 miles during his entire ownership spanning nearly 30 years. The car was purchased by world-recognised 300Sc expert and aficionado, Charles Ray Brahms of Newport Beach, California. Brahms recognized and appreciated the care and conservation efforts that Smith had extended upon this very rare 300Sc. He saw upon his purchase to execute a remanufacturing of the car using all new-old-stock (N.O.S.) components purchased largely from Mercedes Benz themselves. No expense was spared and no time limit consideration given. The car would be finished and completed as the finest 300Sc the world has ever seen. Nearly four years of work and untold expenses saw the completion of the very best of the best. In 1990 this 300Sc was sold and purchased by the HATTA Museum Corporation in Japan where it has remained in private storage, untouched and unused since be sold 23 years ago.
This is a genuine 30,000 original mile example having had just one retail original owner from new. Just prior to the sale of this 300Sc, Charles Brahms wrote a detailed letter and description of the vehicle for the HATTA Museum Corporation. A copy of the letter is posted above in the photo section, below is a transcript of the letter which describes the vehicle and the quality of it best:
Charles Ray Brahms
This 300Sc Cabriolet was the personal car of Mr. Charles Brahms who for the past 20 years has devoted a good portion of his life to the preservation of the 300Sc Series of cars that were produced by Daimler-Benz during the years 1955-1958. During this time a total of 200 Sc's were produced, 99 Coupes, 53 Roadsters and 49 Cabriolets. The Cabriolet along with being the rarest has always been the favorite of Mr. Brahms, because it retains the pre war Toutonic look of the famous 540K, having Landau Bars on the folding top. This car was purchased by Mr. Brahms in 1970 from the original owner, Mr. Mike Smith of Lexington, Kentucky. Smith drove the car only in the Summer when the was vacationing as attested by the low mileage for a car that is 30 years old.
This car is not restored, it is totally re-manufactured. It has more new old stock (N.O.S.) parts than any car in the world. Every item on the car has been re-manufactured from the wiper motor to the heater boxes. The motor has been completely rebuilt with the 1st repair size pistons 85.5mm. Every seal, bearing, bushing is new. The injection pump is new (N.O.S) but rebuilt to insure against shelf life deterioration. A new cylinder head, valves, cam, cam towers, water pump, radiator, starter, generator, exhaust manifolds, oil pump gears, clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing, timing chain, chain rails, chain pins, nuts and bolts, along with all new wiring, battery, voltage regulator, just everything is new.
The transmission has all new seals and bearing and has been completely rebuilt. There are four N.O.S. shocks and complete front end suspension including the tie rod ends. The rear end has an N.O.S. ring and pinion and spider gear assembly ratio of 4.44:1. The car has 6 pieces of fitted luggage, 2 in the back seat and 4 in the trunk, along with head rests for each seat. The carpet is wool Wilton leather bound. The leather is vintage Rosier, German Manufacture of the period, no longer available. The wood is original, not re-veneered, it has been refinished and is Italian burled walnut.
The paint is Glasurit 206 line nitro-lacquer, the color is dark blue. The car has all new glass, brakes, wheel cylinders. tires etc. Each piece of chrome was hand fit and prepared prior to plating to ensure a proper fit. The headliner is original knit stretch wool not available today and the top is German Happich navy blue topping material.
This 300Sc is the finest example of the car anywhere in the world, nothing can compare to the quality and effort put into this restoration.
Mr. Brahms is reputed to be the world authority on the 300Sc and the restoration of these cars. he has restored 9 of the 49 cars produced, and by the way only 35 of these cars survived till today.
(signed Charles J. Brahms)
Please contact Mort at 949-335-7474 Ext 1 for additional assistance with the potential purchase of this very, very special vehicle.
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