Shortly after the debut of its exceptionally well-engineered 300-series sedan in 1951, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a sporting version, the 300 S. This new variant bridged the gap between the four-door 300 and the much-anticipated upcoming 300 SL sports car; its chassis was shortened by 25 centimeters and mounted with an uprated 3.0-liter inline-six with a trio of Solex carburetors and boosted compression ratio, producing a healthy 150 horsepower. Three coachbuilt body styles were available: a coupe, a cabriolet with a traditional fully insulated soft-top, and a roadster, with a top that folded flush with the body for an extremely clean look when lowered.

Exclusivity was assured, as only 560 examples of the extremely costly 300 S were sold from 1952 through 1958 to an impressive clientele that included Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, and an Aga Khan. The model is still considered one of the finest European luxury cars of its era and one of the last truly handmade automobiles that carried the Classic Era traditions firmly into the modern age.

The 300 S offered here began life as a coupe, so identified by the code 011 in its serial number, and is one of only 216 such fetching examples produced. It was later very professionally converted to the desirable Cabriolet A body style, work that is believed to have taken place during the 1980s. At the time it was also restored in its elegant and very appropriate cream livery with brown interior and matching cloth top. It is believed that the same work included the installation of the present engine, sourced from a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 C.

Following the restoration, Robert F. Langworthy of Cathedral City, California, owned the car. He sold the Mercedes-Benz to the collection where it presently resides in early 1991, having remained there alongside some of the finest surviving classic models bearing the Star and the Laurel for the past 34 years. It has enjoyed the same fine care as the rest of the collection and remains in very attractive cosmetic order, with a pleasing patina to its interior finishes that welcomes an owner behind the wheel.

An excellent 300 S to use and enjoy, offering smooth performance and abundant comfort with the superb ride quality and handling typical of this model, it would be a superior addition to any Mercedes-Benz connoisseur’s dedicated fleet.