From today’s standpoint the 1950s appear as a utopian decade which looked back to the past. At the time nobody knew what lay ahead, though it was clear that the debris left over from the Second World War had to be cleared as soon as possible. The most visible signs of the general desolation were the roads, which were in an appalling condition. The traffic density in Germany was very low, with just 19 cars per 1000 inhabitants. There were unmistakable signs of a more forward-looking spirit, however. The communications sector, which was still in its infancy, was introducing self-dialled long-distance telephone calls. Television was affordable for everybody, though only in black-and-white. It was during this time that Sony in Japan brought its first transistor radio to production maturity. Technical breakthroughs were also taking place in the medical world, and the first heart pacemakers came into use.
It was against this social background that Mercedes-Benz launched the 300 S Coupé in the W 188 model series, which had been presented at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 1951 and entered series production in summer 1952. With this highly acclaimed top-of-the-line model the Stuttgart company not only demonstrated its outstanding engineering expertise, but also its future-oriented entrepreneurial spirit. It was particularly the design of this Coupé that captured the attention. The sweeping wings and stretched bonnet produced “traditional and in this case particularly noble contours”, to quote a comment made at the time. Furthermore, the “calm, dignified lines in exquisite harmony with a modern design” had a tangible aura of power. In this respect it also reflected the resurgent spirit of the era.
In Detail
| tags | 300s, w188 |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Germany |
| price $ | $ 12,500 |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| valvetrain | SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 2996 cc / 182.8 in³ |
| bore | 85 mm / 3.35 in |
| stroke | 88 mm / 3.46 in |
| compression | 7.8:1 |
| power | 111.9 kw / 150.1 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| specific output | 50.1 bhp per litre |
| torque | 230.49 nm / 170.0 ft lbs @ 3800 rpm |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| final drive | 4.13:1 |
Auction Sales History
1952 Mercedes-Benz 300S Coupe 188011.00088/52 – sold for $511,500 Just one single owner since new. Expertly restored and serviced by Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. Highly exclusive, top-of-the-line 300S Coupe. Offered with extensive history file dating back to 1953. Rarer than a Gullwing and more expensive when new.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams
1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé 188.011.00060/52 – sold for €380,800 This 300 S is one of those 216 coupés. It has been subjected to a full and comprehensive restoration, and it is very attractive in icy blue-green metallic, which nicely harmonises with a tan leather interior and matching carpet. The luggage compartment is finished in a similar motif. The instrument panel is superbly finished and includes correct VDO gauges in English units, a radio, and an electric clock. The engine compartment is clean in all respects.
Auction Source: 2014 Monaco by RM Auctions
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé – sold for €142,912
This 300S is one of 216 coupés built. Described as being in good condition throughout, it is painted in Bordeaux Red over cream leather and is fitted with a rare factory sunroof. The lines of the car are further complemented by the chrome stripes that run down the side of the body. The features of the cabin are fantastic, including the large rev-counter in front of the steering wheel. The car drives very well, pulling in every gear, the steering is very nice, and the brakes are very efficient, with no binding. The interior is very aesthetically pleasing and certainly comfortable enough for four people on long tours.
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé – sold for €142,912 This 300S is one of 216 coupés built. Described as being in good condition throughout, it is painted in Bordeaux Red over cream leather and is fitted with a rare factory sunroof. The lines of the car are further complemented by the chrome stripes that run down the side of the body. The features of the cabin are fantastic, including the large rev-counter in front of the steering wheel. The car drives very well, pulling in every gear, the steering is very nice, and the brakes are very efficient, with no binding. The interior is very aesthetically pleasing and certainly comfortable enough for four people on long tours.
Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM
Keyword: 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupé