1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S

2dr Coupe

6-cyl. 2996cc/150hp 3x2bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$267,000*

-18.1%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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1951-1958 Mercedes-Benz W188 stats
Highest sale
$1,100,000
Lowest sale
$42,403
Most recent sale
$428,500
Sales
202

Photos

56 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S 2dr Cabriolet Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
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Model overview

Model description

The Mercedes-Benz 300 was launched at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show, with chassis code W186. In the immediate postwar years, economic conditions forced the company to mostly limit production to the entry-level four-cylinder 170 V model, but by the 1950s Mercedes was ready to build extravagant, exclusive luxury cars again.

The 300 series was designed to compete with Rolls-Royce quality. It was complex, expensive and luxurious, and offered as a huge sedan with optional division windows or as a four-door cabriolet. The 300 was powered by a 115-bhp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine coupled to a four-speed synchromesh gearbox, and was capable of cruising at 100 mph. The X-frame was built of oval tubes, the front suspension was independent by coil springs and wishbones, and the rear featured Mercedes-Benz’s swing axle. The rear suspension was adjustable at the dashboard and a central lubrication system was foot-operated.

The 300 was indelibly associated with West Germany’s first postwar Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, who held office from 1949-63. He had six custom-built “Adenauer” 300s during his term in sedan, cabriolet and landaulet configurations. They had writing desks, VHF radios, sirens, division windows, curtains and sunroofs, while the rear landaulet roof could be folded down for parades.

The big Mercedes was favored by executives, and 6,214 sedans and 591 cabriolets were built in the 300 and 300b series from 1951-54. The 300b gained power brakes and front vent windows while power was boosted to 125 bhp through bigger Solex carburetors and by raising the compression ratio to 7.5:1. The 300c of 1955-56 carried a larger rear window, and an automatic transmission was optional. A total of 1,432 sedans were built along with a mere 51 cabriolets.

For 1957 the W189 300d was modified with taller rear fenders with vertical lights, and featured a pillarless roof, which created an American style hardtop when all the windows were lowered. The big new was under the hood, where Bosch fuel injection was fitted, increasing power to 160 bhp. The restyling was popular and the 300d was built until 1962, with sedan sales increasing to 3,077 units, though cabriolets remained rare, and only 65 were sold.

While the Adenauer 300 was leading parades in Western Europe from 1951-58, Mercedes also produced a conservative luxury coupe and roadster with the same styling cues. The 300S was designed for the wealthy to enjoy in their off-hours, and shared numerous mechanical parts with the 300SL sports car.

The W188, as it was known internally, was the direct descendant of the pre-war 540K. It was hand-built in very small numbers, in three models. Between 1952-55 there were 216 Coupes, 203 Cabriolet As (with landau bars) and 141 Roadsters built. The 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine was fitted with three Solex carburetors and developed 150 bhp for a top speed of 110 mph. When the roadster version of the 300SL Gullwing coupe was delayed, a fuel-injected 300Sc was introduced as a stopgap. It developed 180 bhp and had a top speed of 115 mph. Only 98 coupes, 49 Cabriolet As and 49 Roadsters were built from 1955-58. Ironically, a 300S or 300Sc cost more than a 300SL Gullwing coupe in the 1950s, but today the 300S and 300Sc are significantly cheaper than a comparable Gullwing.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $364,333 for a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S at auction over the last three years was $735,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S at auction over the last three years was $332,250. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 6 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300Ss sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S was $428,500 on August 17, 2024 by RM Sotheby's.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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