1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Cabriolet

Description 1956 Mercedes 300SC Cabriolet Chassis No. – 188.013.6500055 Engine. no. 199.980.6500115Exterior Color – Black Interior Color – Green Leather Current Kilometers – 84,483 kms -Preservation grade two-owner example with 67 years current of ownership-One of 49 built with just 35 known examples surviving today-Acquired by the first Max Hoffman “US Foreign Agent” for Mercedes-BenzHistory of the 300SC Hand-crafted by specially selected artisans tasked with crafting one of the most expensive and exclusive luxury cars ever conceived, the Mercedes-Benz W188, 300SC represented the ultimate in elegance, stunning design, and uncompromised engineering. Despite having been manufactured more than half a century ago, these rare automobiles continue to capture the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. ??Designed with a glamorous fluid fender line, stately grille, and engineered for premium performance, the engine, suspension, and chassis were directly derived from the iconic 300SL Gullwing. Conceived to meet the highest standards available in automobile production, the 300SC was ideally suited as a specialized premier luxury car for wealthy and influential clientele. Released at just the right time for Mercedes-Benz, the 300SC offered the perfect blend of prestige and performance-derived engineering, with the durability/reliability concurrently developed for their growing volume production lines. First unveiled at the Paris Salon in 1951, production was intentionally exclusive incorporating artisanal hand labor for each of these impressive luxury cars. In 1955 the SC was upgraded with newly improved Bosch mechanical direct fuel-injection which delivered 173hp at 5400 rpm. Independent front suspension, four-speed manual transmission, tube shocks and coil springs, and larger servo-assisted four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, were among the many state-of-the-art technical features built into each car. Assembled by a cadre of top technicians at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen Karosserie under the direction of Design Chief Hermann Ahrens, the coachwork and finish were legendary, from the hand stitched leather seats to the precise fit of the complex sculpted doors, beautifully polished paint and chrome, including custom-tailored luggage accompanying each car. Every vehicle was obsessively prepared to exhaustingly high standards enhanced by exemplary handwork. Though production was limited, three body styles were available, Coupe, Cabriolet, and Roadster. In addition to the exclusive nature and rarity, the 300SC was priced at double that of a 300SL Gullwing and shockingly more expensive than a Rolls Royce, making each of these specially built cars limited to the grasp of royalty, Hollywood elite, and industry tycoons such as Aga Khan, Bing Crosby, and Clark Gable to name a few. Contemporary press raved about the comfortable and luxurious interior, exceptional build quality, and remarkable performance, And, while each of these ambassadors of elegance performed a critical role reestablishing Mercedes-Benz as a world automotive brand, production was greatly limited. As technology advanced, features and performance needs shifted, and wealthy customers sought different cars to meet their varying needs, 300SC production concluded in 1957. A mere 49 300SC Cabriolets were built, with only the finest surviving examples available today in preserved original condition. History of this Mercedes-Benz 300SC Cabriolet This example has the distinction of being one of the most original 300SC Cabriolets in existence. Purchased in 1959 by Kent Emigh, this 300SC began a 67 year partnership under Emigh’s ownership just as North American Mercedes-Benz dealers were beginning to develop their reputation in the US. Having grown up in rural America maintaining farm machinery for his family farm, Kent Emigh began his career with automobiles establishing “Auto Imports” Indianapolis, IN, his first dealership, in 1952. Although only 24 years old, Emigh captured the attention of Max Hoffman, becoming the first “US foreign agent” importing Mercedes-Benz cars and other European offerings in 1953. Working with special clientele, Emigh would often pick the cars up from New York, visit with prospective customers, and then drive nearly 800 miles returning to Indianapolis as part of his “proving grounds” to learn the operational features, quirks, and mechanical details for each of his cars. ?? By 1957, Emigh was regularly traveling to Europe to purchase cars for his clients, cultivating a greater focus on Mercedes-Benz and establishing key relationships with top clientele including many in the sports car and motorsports world. By the 1960s, Emigh sold his dealership and was hired by Mercedes-Benz to build a dealership in San Jose, CA. After concluding the project, Emigh started his own business again, this time naming it “Auto Sport Limited”, located in Palo Alto, CA. Though the location would change over time, ASL would continue to thrive through the ensuing decades. With more than 58 years of dedicated service to Mercedes-Benz, Emigh collected some of the most desirable European cars including a handful of 300SCs. Though he had his pick of many cars, the subject car here would remain his favorite in a collection that included Gullwings, Porsches, and numerous other rare cars. Emigh purchased this 300SC in 1959 after making several trips to Germany seeking the very best example he could find for his personal collection. After three trips logging over 29,000 air miles, Emigh located the original owner of this 300SC Cabriolet and purchased it on the spot. When the car arrived, it was in exceptional cosmetic condition. The running condition however was not to his standards. As he writes in his notes, it appeared that the owner had not followed the break-in period. Given his mechanical skills, Emigh carefully dismantled the engine and replaced the pistons with machine work provided by one of the best Indy 500 machinists available at that time. In 19