Chassis No. 188.014.5500027

Body No. A188.014.5500023

Engine No. 199.980.5500015

Following World War II, Mercedes-Benz turned its attention to producing smaller, more affordable vehicles to aid the German economy and address postwar resource limitations. As conditions improved throughout the 1950s, the company's board of directors set plans in motion to restore Mercedes-Benz's status as a world-class automaker. A pivotal step was reopening the race department, which bolstered internal morale, while the introduction of the luxurious 300 S and later 300 Sc helped reestablish the brand's reputation for building Germany's most opulent vehicles, even more costly than the 300 SL.

While sharing some mechanical similarities with the 300 sedans, the 300 S and 300 Sc were crafted to represent the pinnacle of personal transportation, offered exclusively as a 2+2 Cabriolet with distinctive landaulet bars, a Coupe, or a two-seat Roadster with a disappearing convertible top. With a 150 mm shorter wheelbase than the sedans, they still retained the same lavish interior trim with rich leather and wood, and meticulous finishing details set them apart at the top of the Mercedes-Benz range. It was only natural that these prestigious cars would incorporate innovative technology, and in 1955, following the successful launch of the 300 SL Gullwing, the 300 Sc was introduced with mechanical direct fuel injection, replacing the triple-carburetor setup of the 300 S. Braking is handled by large drum brakes with a Bendix booster. The 300 Sc also received an advanced independent low-pivot swing axle rear suspension, later used on the 300 SL Roadster. The fuel injected Sc is easily distinguishable from its carbureted predecessor by the addition of chrome trim on the edges of the hood vents, larger turn signals, chrome trim along wheel openings and down the rockers, and a simple "Einspritzmotor" badge at the rear of the car.

This innovation and craftsmanship came at a price, with the 300 Sc costing nearly three times as much as a comparable Cadillac and almost double the price of a 300 SL. Production numbers remained low-only 98 Coupes, 102 Cabriolets, and 53 Roadsters were built between 1955 and April 1958-making these cars exceptionally rare and highly collectible today.

According to its Data Card, this rare 300 Sc was delivered to Vienna, Austria on 22 February 1956 in Graphite Grey (190) with Light Grey leather, where it served as a show car or Standwagen as part of Mercedes' official display at the 1956 Vienna Automobilsalon. Remaining in Europe through the 2000s, it was meticulously restored to its current presentation in stunning Black (040) over striking Dark Green leather interior. The comprehensive restoration included an engine overhaul, cosmetic refinishing, and the rejuvenation of its rich Burl Walnut wood trim, which retains a deep luster. This 300 Sc retains its numbers-matching chassis, engine, and body. Following its completion, the car joined the esteemed Paul Andrews Collection in 2016 when imported to the United States from Germany.

Today, this matching-numbers 300 Sc Coupe remains an attractive, well-appointed and highly detailed example which still looks fresh, featuring a two-piece set of matching Dark Green leather luggage, a dash-mounted Becker Mexico radio, European market headlights, optional fog lights, and chrome plated wheels with white wall tires. It earned Best in Class awards at the 2021 Palm Beach Concours and the 2022 Palm Beach Cavallino Classic during Classic & Sports Sunday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. The car is offered with matching spare wheel and tire, jack, owner's manual, workshop manual, and a copy of its original Data Card confirming its Vienna Automobilsalon debut. Endowed with striking road presence, high build quality, and rarity, this spectacular 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupe will no doubt be a welcome prize-winning participant at concours and touring events around the world with its exceptional presentation.