1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SB

As Germany was recovering from the devastation of World War II, Mercedes-Benz provided basic transportation through its 170 and 220 series, equipped with their side-valve four-cylinder engines that came both as a diesel and gasoline version and were produced from1946 to 1955. In keeping with the company's traditional pre-war production, Daimler Benz A.G. built a series of upscale models to fill the demand and to protect its position within the marketplace.

The 300 series models were more complex and heavier than their utilitarian siblings, the 170S and 220S. The production volume was substantially lower, the quality much higher, and the base price far exceeding its siblings. The 300 Series were unquestionably the most elegant automobiles of the 1950s, and popular with heads of state, wealthy individuals, and show business personalities.

The 300 S was a Grand Touring model built from 1951 through 1955 and all were virtually hand made. They were built in three configurations that included the coupe, cabriolet, and roadster. All three body styles shared the same chassis, body shape, and the 3.0-liter, single overhead camshaft, six-cylinder engine with triple Solex carburetors and 150 horsepower.

The suspension is independent in the front and rear with coil springs at all four corners and swing axles to the rear. The brakes are vacuum-assisted with finned drums for better cooling. The trim pieces of the body were fabricated from solid brass, custom-fitted to each body, then removed for triple chromium plating and re-installation. The interior appointments often included roll-and-pleat leather upholstery and wood veneers in a choice of burled or straight grain walnut, lacquered to a high gloss finish. The custom-fitted leather luggage set was appropriately designed to rest comfortably in the steeply angled trunk.

The interim Sb model appeared in 1954 and 1955, prior to the final Sc model run. The 300 Sb was given many improvements over the 300 S that included vacuum-assisted brakes with finned drums, pivoting vent windows, an improved heating system, and a redesigned dashboard. A Becker-Mexico three-band radio could also be found in the interior.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 Sb had a list price of approximately $12,500 which was twice as high as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing and four-times as much as the 1955 Cadillac.

The Mercedes-Benz represents the pinnacle of traditional coachwork and classic bodylines combined with a contemporary chassis, suspension, and drivetrain components.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006