1953 MERCEDES BENZ 300 S Coupé Without Reserve Series... - Lot 38 - Osenat

1953 MERCEDES BENZ 300 S Coupé Without Reserve Series 00196/53 French registration - Delivered new to King Hussein of Jordan - Beautiful history - The pinnacle of German engineering in the 1950s - Beautiful restoration Launched at the 1951 Paris Motor Show, the Mercedes Benz 300s represented the pinnacle of German engineering. In the great German tradition, no compromise was made on quality. Available as a roadster, convertible and coupé, the 300s was equipped with the famous 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine developing 150 horsepower. In the cabin, the finest materials available are combined with the most rigorous assembly. But this quality came at a price: throughout its career, the Mercedes Benz 300s was the most expensive Mercedes Benz in the range. In all, only 216 coupés were built between 1952 and 1955. The example we present has an exceptional history. It was bought new by King Hussein of Jordan in 1953, in exactly the same configuration as it is today. One of its special features is a red headlight at the front, which, when switched on, signified the king's presence on board. A great car enthusiast and friend of Sir Sterling Moss, the King had acquired this Mercedes Benz as a personal rather than an official vehicle. In 1961, the car was transferred to his London residence and registered 111 HRH (His Royal Highness). In all, the King kept his car for 20 years. Attached to his car, the King remained in contact with the second owner until the mid-1980s. In 1997, the car stopped running, and was eventually sold in 1999, when the second owner undertook extensive work on it (chromes, running gear, etc.). The second owner drove the car for two years before retiring it. Sold in 2016, the car arrived in France, where it was restored. The engine was rebuilt (invoices), as was the upholstery, and the bodywork was revised from top to bottom. We were able to take the car for a test drive along Lake Geneva, which revealed a pleasant, modern car for its time. The engine delivers its 150 horsepower perfectly, the gears shift smoothly and the brakes play their part well. Few Mercedes Benz 300 S Coupes with such a long history are available on the market, so this is an exceptional opportunity for any enthusiast of the brand or any lover of a good story.