1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SC Cabriolet

The 300 SC is considered by many to be the ultimate of the 300 series. Introduced in 1955, it benefited from the 300 SL engine, with its innovative Bosch mechanical fuel injection, producing 175 factory-rated horsepower. The oval tubular chassis, swing-axle rear suspension and powerful engine combined to create the perfect grand tourer, a style popular in Europe at the time. Of the 200 examples produced over three body styles, this car is one of just 49 cabriolets. This 300 SC was originally owned by a brewer in Karlsruhe, West Germany, but was soon spied and acquired by an auto-importer from New Jersey, and has remained stateside ever since.

Mercedes-Benz produced just 200 examples of the 300 Sc and were the true spiritual successor to the 500 K and 540 K. This example is a well-documented example, with known ownership since it was only a few years old. It is one of only forty-nine 300 Sc Cabriolets produced. It was delivered from the Mercedes-Benz factory on April 27, 1956, to dealer Schoemperlen & Gast of Karlsruhe, in southwest Germany. Reportedly, while in the original ownership of a Karlsruhe-area brewer, the car was seen by an importer from New Jersey while on a trip. Negotiations for its purchase soon proceeded and it was later transported into the United States. The importer sold the car to David Sieggrist. It was acquired from him in 1960 by Ben Halsell. Mr. Halsell retained the car until July of 1978, when he sold it to Alex Dearborn. Mr. Halsell added 39,000 kilometers to the odometer, for a total of 77,000.

Mr. Dearborn retained the 300 Sc for four years before passing it on to Michael Hall, of Newport Beach, California. Mr. Dearborn treated the car to a flawless restoration.

Following several intervening owners, the 300 Sc spent well over a decade in the collection of James Patterson in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Patterson treated the car to cosmetic work and any mechanical items needing attention were addressed.

The car is painted in dark blue paint and has a blue top and grey leather upholstery. The luggage remains in excellent condition and the current owner reports that it won Best in Show at the Lake Mirror Classic.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2015