1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A

Chassis No. 188.013.6500050
Body No. 188.013.6500015
Engine No. 188.980.6500051

Representing the pinnacle of personal luxury when new, this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A surely was a sight on German roads when it was delivered to K.M. Rudolph-Aegerter, Berlin, Germany and then sold to its original owners, Mr. and Mrs. James McDonald III while living in Germany. The car was finished in sleek Silbergrau Metallic (DB 180) over a splendid Red leather(1088) interior and a Black folding soft top. Optionally, the car was equipped with a Becker Mexico radio and a Hirschmann power antenna, but the most exceptional feature of this car lies under the hood. As a later production “Sc,” the car was equipped with the updated 3.0-liter engine with mechanical fuel injection derived from the illustrious 300 SL Gullwing Coupe. With a four-speed manual transmission, the car was capable of continuous high-speed touring on the new Autobahns spreading throughout Germany and beyond.

Naturally, this opulence came with a lavish price tag of an astounding $12,500. The closest American competition was the Continental Mark II, at $10,000, while the top-of-the-line 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible cost $6,500 when new - nearly half that of the Mercedes. As a result of the high price tag, only 49 examples of the 300 Sc Cabriolet A were ever produced.

In the early 1960s, the McDonald's relocated from Germany to their new home in the San Francisco Bay area of California. They enjoyed their car traveling between their Bay Area home and their ranch in Napa Valley. A friend of the family took a keen interest in their Mercedes and when the McDonald's announced that they would be moving to Hawaii they sold the car to their physical therapist.

Under his care, it is recounted that the car was first serviced by a British car dealership in Van Nuys, California, to his dissatisfaction, before he found much better caretakers at the Mercedes-Benz dealership, near Stanford University. In the 1970s, a move to the upper Midwest resulted in the magnificent cabriolet being placed into long-term storage, where it remained until the late 2010s.

Nearly 50 years later, the car was removed from storage in remarkably sound condition. Minor work was completed on the engine and injection pump to ensure their health prior to starting the car for the first time. Once completed, the highly original example was purchased in 2020 by the current owner located in Germany, a very experienced Mercedes Benz collector. Looking for the best example possible, this very original unmolested example was selected as the starting point for the complete restoration by some of the best and most experienced shops in Germany that commenced shortly after the car returned to Germany for the first time since the 1960s.

As a part of the restoration, the cabriolet was completely stripped to a bare body before any assembly commenced. The bodywork was refinished, with minimal rust repairs taking place before test-fitting the trim work. Once verified, the trim was sent off for replating, and the body was refinished in the period-correct shade of Graphite Grey. The top was retrimmed with a complementary Light Grey material. The interior received new leather upholstery and carpeting, while the woodwork was refinished to achieve the same gleaming finish as new. Lastly, the car's mechanical condition was restored to the same level by rebuilding the original numbers-matching engine, transmission, rear axle, steering gearbox, and front axle. All of this work was completed by highly regarded shops throughout Germany, with the total cost of the restoration exceeding 300,000 € or nearly $325,000.

As presented today, this stunning example Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc would be a welcome addition to any collection for use at countless events throughout the world. Whether for a concours event or taking advantage of the fitted luggage neatly stowed in the trunk, this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Cabriolet A will surely draw the same attention and praise it earned when new.