Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October 1951, Mercedes-Benz’s W188 line of coupes, cabriolets, and roadsters represented the pinnacle of the marque’s early postwar production –bespoke, handwrought flagships for the world’s most discerning motorists. Substantially scarcer – and markedly more expensive – than the contemporary 300 SL, the 300 S and its ultimate evolution, the fuel-injected 300 Sc, shared much of that gull-winged icon’s exotic, competition-bred underpinnings, including a broadly similar overhead cam straight-six, mechanical fuel injection, and four-wheel independent suspension.

Though its exquisitely elegant, if relatively reserved, artisan-formed bodywork belied the supercar roots beneath, the W188 nonetheless cut quite a rakish figure for its day, particularly in roadster form. Much of the credit for this is due to a brilliantly engineered convertible top, which made do without the landau irons and padded headliner typical of the era and stowed neatly beneath a leather boot, preserving the car’s uninterrupted lines. From any angle, it was a machine of substance and grace – imposing, but never ostentatious.

One of just 53 examples built and representing the most desirable and refined of all W188 variants, chassis 00010 hails from the penultimate year of 300 Sc production. According to a copy of the factory build record on file, this handsome Roadster was delivered in April 1957 to a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Cologne, Germany. Originally finished in black with a beige brown leather interior, the car’s first known owner was noted Hollywood television producer and former US Navy Blue Angels pilot E. Duke Vincent. The car remained in his doting care for close to 60 years, meticulously maintained, a testament to the enduring appeal of its quality and design.

Repainted to its current lovely dark brown color scheme during the 1980s, this beautiful 300 Sc Roadster otherwise remains largely unrestored, with the exception of a factory replacement engine installed early in its life. Of particular note is its floor-shift configuration, which enhances driveability and better suits the model’s subtly sporting intent than the factory column-mounted shifter. The car is offered with a two-piece fitted luggage set, factory tools, manuals, and a trove of fascinating ownership documentation. This rare model was the longtime pride of celebrated television producer and writer E. Duke Vincent, who maintained it in superb condition in his home in Montecito, California. Vincent’s 40-year Hollywood career included becoming Aaron Spelling’s partner in 1978 and ultimately Executive Producer and Vice Chairman of Spelling Television. Vincent’s dozens of program credits include Dynasty, Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and two Emmy Award-winning movies: And The Band Played On and Day One. In his earlier life Vincent was a member of the US Navy’s Blue Angels, one of the most elite and awe-inspiring aviation units in the world. A masterwork of postwar Teutonic engineering and design, it is among the most elegant and exclusive Mercedes-Benz production cars ever built.