• Believed to be one of just 216 examples of the 300 S Coupé manufactured by Mercedes-Benz
• Finished in a blue-green metallic over a tan leather interior
• Powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission
• Retains the matching-numbers engine, as per the data card, while accompanying photos show the dismantling and rebuild of the powertrain

The Mercedes-Benz 300 series debuted at the 1951 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, held for the first time that year at the Messe Frankfurt, after having previously been staged all over Germany. The 300 Series was targeted primarily for export to the United States and sported stunning design that featured a modern wraparound windscreen and flush-mounted headlights. In mid-1952, Mercedes-Benz announced the 300 S—or “Super”—combining elements of the existing 300 series with the upcoming 300 SL. The 300 S was available in a coupé, cabriolet, and roadster body style.

The most noteworthy improvement of the new model over the older 300 was a 30 per cent increase in horsepower, from 115 to 150, thanks to a new 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. The driver changed gears with the steering column-mounted lever connected to a four-speed manual transmission. The 300 S sat on a four-wheel, coil-spring, independent suspension, with control arms in the front and swing axles in the rear. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided stopping power. Every model left the factory with no-glare mirrors, vacuum-assisted brakes, reversing lights, reclining seats, and windshield washers—all fitted as standard. The interior was a sight to behold and featured supple leather, burled walnut trim, a dash with chrome-accented instruments, and switchgear that was made with the precision of a Swiss watch. The model was priced from $12,680—equivalent to over $130,000 today—and approximately 560 examples of the 300 S were built, with some 216 in coupé form.

A copy of the Mercedes-Benz Data Card for this car shows that this 300 S Coupé left the factory finished in a “Sonderlackierung Metallgrün”—or special colour, a metallic light green—code “DB 274”. Inside, the interior was specified with code “653”, for full Green leather seats. This example is noted as a vehicle for export and was dispatched to International Motors of Hollywood, Los Angeles, on 21 October 1952.

This 300 S Coupé is understood to have undergone recommissioning work under previous ownership and is currently finished in a blue-green metallic paint, which complements the tan leather interior and matching carpet throughout. The engine was rebuilt as part of this process, and the history file for the car includes photography that follows the process of the mechanical overhaul. The instrument panel is superbly finished and includes the correct VDO gauges in imperial units, a radio, and an electric clock. The odometer reads 78,645 miles at the time of cataloguing and this vehicle is offered with a copy of the data card, a spare wheel, jack and wheel brace.

Please note, upon further inspection it is believed that the engine has been restamped.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf21.