The Mercedes-Benz ‘W188’ Type 300 S was first introduced at the Paris Salon in October 1951 and came as a 2+2 coupé, cabriolet or roadster.
This was one month before the serial production of the W186 started and enabled Mercedes-Benz to offer two top models at the same time.
Mercedes-Benz 300 S © flickr/RUD66
Even though the W188 mechanically was similar to the contemporary W186, the largely hand-built care was marketed as one of the top luxury cars in the world.
The wheel base of the W188 was shortened by 140 mm compared to the W186 and the output of the 2996 cc engine was raised by 7.8:1 compression and triple Solex carburettors to 150 PS (110 kW/150 hp) at 5000 rpm. The top car‘s speed was 175 km/h.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 S was equipped with either 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic, had front and rear drum brakes.
From July 1952 to August a total of 216 coupés, 203 cabriolets and 141 roadsters were manufactured.
The W188 was modified in 1955 and named Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc. The 300 Sc now had a “low-pivot” independent suspension in the rear and the addition of fuel injection. The inline-six now delivered 175 PS (129 kW/173 hp) at 5400 rpm. The top speed was 180 km/h. Additional chrome stripes on either side and chrome rims denoted the ‘Sc’ model. From 1955 to 1958 a total of 98 coupés, 49 cabriolets and 53 roadsters were built. The price rose by DM 2,000 to DM 36,500 (today that would be about EUR 83,000).
More specifications of the Mercedes-Benz 300 S:
- Wheelbase: 2,900 mm (110 in)
- Length: 4,700 mm (190 in)
- Width: 1,860 mm (73 in)
- Height: 1,510 mm (59 in)
- Kerb weight: 1,760 kg (3,900 lb)
