1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 S

The Mercedes-Benz 300 S was more expensive than the 300SL and nearly double the price of the contemporary top-of-the-range Cadillac, making it one of the world's most exclusive automobiles. It was also one of Mercedes-Benz's first all-new designs of the post-war era, making its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1951. With its arrival, it re-established Mercedes-Benz as a prestige car manufacturer and signaled a return to the marque's tradition of building high-performance luxury automobiles of the finest quality.

The lower and mid-priced Mercedes-Benz's of the 1950s would adopt unitary chassis and body construction, however, the 300 retained the traditional separate frame which allowed a variety of coachwork body types to be offered. The 300 had a cross-braced, oval-tube chassis which followed the lines of the 170S and 220, with independent suspension all round and four-wheel drum brake, but with the added refinements of hypoid bevel final drive, remote electronic control of the rear suspension ride height, and dynamically balanced wheels.

The three-liter, overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine initially delivered 115 horsepower. The succeeding 300B and 300C models received additional power, finally gaining fuel injection in the re-styled 300D of 1957. Other modifications and improvements included larger brakes (with servo-assistance from 1954), optional power steering (on the 300D), and the adoption of a three-speed automatic transmission as standard on the latter.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 was custom built by the most experienced and talented craftsmen. They were luxuriously appointed and trimmed with materials of the highest quality. These exclusive vehicles were widely favored by businessmen, financiers and politicians, including being a popular choice for the West German government officials. The name 'Adenauer' became the 300's unofficial model name, after German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, its most famous customer.

The 300 Saloon was soon joined by the 300S (representing Super) when it was introduced at the Paris Salon in October of 1951. The 300S was built in two-seater coupe, cabriolet, and roadster forms on a shortened 300 saloon chassis. The 300S was considerably lighter than the saloon and were more powerful, with the engine being equipped with a triple (as opposed to twin) Solex carburetors and a raised compression ratio. Horsepower rose to 150 bhp and top speed was now achieved at 110 mph. Along with performance, luxury remained paramount, with a lavishly equipped interior featuring supple leather upholstery, burr walnut trim, chromium-plated dashboard instrumentation, and precision-made switchgear.

Production was limited with just 750 of the 300S/Sc (560/200) produced between 1951 and 1958.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019