1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Roadster

This 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster was originally owned by Princess Ashraf ol-Molouk Pahlavi, the fraternal twin sister to Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, who ranks among the best-known automobile enthusiasts of the 20th Century. The sale of the Mercedes was made directly through the head of VIP sales at Daimler-Benz, Mr. Schirmer, with the ordering agency noted on the data card as Merrikh, the Iranian importers. The actual delivery was made in Switzerland, at one of Pahlavis's luxurious residences.

Ashraf's 300 S was originally finished in metallic Light Green (DB 274) over an interior of Green leather (673) with a top of Green rubberized cloth (975). This Mercedes likely resided at one vacation home or another over the years, and probably never entered Tehran. Subsequent owners include Mr. Gronmeyer of Biberach, Germany; Claus F. Mirbach of Hamburg; and Elmar Sipple of Ravensburg, who owned the car from 1994 through 1997.

The car was then brought to the United States and, in 2009, was shown at the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance in restored condition in its present livery of silver with red leather interior and black top.

Tom Schröder purchased the car in 2012 and had the engine rebuilt and mechanical systems services. The car has been in the care of its current owner since 2014.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2023