1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S

Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300 Series at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951. It was designed specifically for the export market and featured a modern wraparound windshield, a curved rear body line, and flush-mounted headlights. During its initial introduction, the 300 Series was available only in four-door configuration, as either a saloon or cabriolet. In mid-1952, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300 S, or 'Super' and it combined the elements of the existing 300 Series with the upcoming (but delayed) 300 SL sports car. The biggest improvement was under the hood, with a 30 percent increase in horsepower thanks in part to an increase in compression, bringing output from 115 to 150 hp, and a top speed of 110 mph. The engine was a 3.0-liter (2996cc) unit with a trio of Solex carburetors and a bore of 3.35 inches (85mm) and a stroke of 3.46 inches (88mm). The engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission and hydraulic drum brakes provided the stopping power.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 S came equipped with a comprehensive list of standard equipment including no-glare mirrors, vacuum-assisted brakes, backup lights, reclining seats, and windshield washers. The price tag was equally impressive as the power and luxury, costing as much as ten standard cars. The $12,680 price tag was part of the reason just 560 examples of the 300 S were built, with 203 of those being cabriolets.

The 300 S introduced three new bodies on a 25-centimeter shorter chassis, a coupe, cabriolet, and roadster. The styling was fresh and modern, and the interior was most impressive. The lavish interior had supple leather, glossy and burled walnut trim, a dash with chrome-accented instruments, and a switch-gear that was made with the precision of fine jewelry. A control on the dashboard controlled the ignition timing. Instead of semaphores, the 300S had turn-signal lights.

Each of the body styles available on the 300 S offered 2+2 seating and two spare tire wells in the trunk.

Notable 300 S owners included Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, and The Aga Khan.

1953 Mercedes-Benz Models in the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz offered a range of models for its U.S.-based clientele that included sedans, cabriolets, coupes, and roadsters. Both gasoline and diesel engines were available, and prices ranged from the low-$3,000s to over $12,600. The base series was the 170 horsepower equipped with an L-head four-cylinder engine displacing 107.8 cubic inches and offering 45 horsepower at 3,650 RPM. An uprated version of this engine brought output to 52 horsepower in the 170S and 170Sb. The diesel version in the 170D series delivered 40 horsepower at 3,200 RPM. The 180 Series sedan rested on a short 104.3-inch wheelbase (compared to the 112-inch wheelbase platform of the 170 Series) and was powered by the 52 horsepower engine of the 170S. It joined the lineup in mid-1953. The 220 Series had a 112-inch wheelbase platform and was powered by an inline, overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine with 80 (DIN) horsepower at 3,600 RPM. Body styles included a coupe, cabriolet, convertible sedan, and sedan. The range-topping 300 SEries included the '300' powered by a 182.8 CID inline-6 with 115 (DIN) horsepower and the uprated 300S with 150 (DIN) horsepower. Both the 170 and 220 Series had semaphore-type turn signals.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014