Stunning 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300S Roadster: One of Less than 150 Roadsters Built
This 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 S is one of fewer than 150 roadsters built during three years of the variants production. The car was delivered new on December 6, 1952, to Morocco, where it was reportedly first owned by a US air attach who later brought it to Florida upon his retirement. It was acquired in 1969 by its third owner, with whom it remained for 51 years. Refurbished in 2010, the car retains its factory color combination of White Grey over Green Grey leather and is powered by a numbers-matching 3.0L M188 inline-six with triple Solex carburetors. Additional equipment includes a column-shifted four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, finned hydraulic drum brakes, a dark green convertible top, a Becker Nrburg radio, a Hirschmann antenna, and a two-piece set of factory fitted luggage.
In 2020 a mechanical freshening was performed by marque specialist Pierre Hedary that included a rebuild of the carburetors, repairs to the ignition system, and a valve adjustment. The car then appeared at the Amelia Island Concours dElegance in May 2021. This W188 roadster is now offered with a factory specifications certificate, factory literature, invoices from the recent work, and receipts from the 1960s and 70s. This example is said to have been repainted in its factory shade of White Grey (158) during refurbishment work performed by Davids Classic Car Shop in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2010. Brightwork was also refinished during the project, with chrome plating reportedly handled by Librandis Plating in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Exterior features include a dark green soft top, front fog lamps, bumper guards, and a fender-mounted Hirschmann antenna. The four-wheel independent suspension features coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers at each corner. Factory rear load-leveling adjustment is controlled via a switch under the dash. The cabin is trimmed in Green Grey leather (1070) with dark green piping over the reclinable front seats, fold-down rear bench seat, door panels, side panels, and top boot. Service by Pierre Hedary in Titusville, Florida, between January and April 2021 included overhaul and adjustment of the carburetors, a valve adjustment, an oil change, and replacement of the points, condenser, spark plugs, fuel filter, shifter bushing, generator drive coupler, and driveshaft support.
Engine number 188.920-00098/52 is shown on the block tag and matches the number indicated on the Mercedes-Benz specifications certificate. A two-piece luggage set wrapped in Green Grey leather is secured in the trunk by a green leather strap and is flanked by dual spare wheels. The Mercedes-Benz Classic Certificate lists the colors and components numbers, as well as delivery to Morocco. An accompanying factory specifications sheet provided by Mercedes-Benz lists additional options, including the radio, luggage cases, and twin spares.
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