Photography courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Mercedes-Benz. We all know the brand and, likely, its various abbreviated nicknames. As a non-brand loyal enthusiast who’s yet to own a Merc, I’ll admit there’s something about the marque’s postwar lineup that strikes a chord I jive with. From the dictator-chauffeuring 600 Landaulet limousine to the unmistakable beloved “Gullwing” 300 SL, the German automaker is an international household name—and rightfully so.

Yet, despite its well-deserved fame, its huge back catalogue of designs mean there are few Mercedes Benz models that are unknown to me. I’m no aficionado, but this 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Coupé caught me off guard.

This elegant Coupé design may appear outdated or “long-in-the-tooth” by considering its 1957 production date, especially when you realize the then-cutting edge 300 SL was next to it on showroom floors. Curiously, however, the Sc was the car that had both a higher list price and was marketed directly to the world’s elite. It’s hand-built, and even packs a surprising punch.

The 300 class was offered in convertible, sedan, and coupe configurations—personally, I feel the hardtop two-door is most aesthetically ‘balanced’. Smooth lines, subtly Frenched headlamps, deep black non-metallic paint, and ample but reserved amounts of brightwork, this 2+2 makes its presence known. I just can’t conclude: is it stately or gangster?

Either way, it’d be at home in a 007 flick as a rarely-seen hero car: only 760 were sold from 1950-1960. So, visually it checks the right boxes, but what’s under hood?

Derived from the 300SL, the Sc Coupé was fitted with a mildly detuned Bosch fuel-injected OHC six-cylinder that was advertised to produce 175 horsepower—but because of its advanced fuel injection system, speculated to make an honest 200 ponies. Coupled to a four-speed column-shift manual gearbox, the big Sc looked the part, and could handle its own. Not to disrupt cabin occupants during travel, a special low-pivot swing axle rear suspension setup was sourced from the 300 SL to ensure a smooth ride for four.

The interior is adorned in walnut woodwork and plush cream leather upholstery—let the stable master do the detailing. For entertainment, the cab features a Becker Mexico head unit, two speakers, and a self-emptying ashtray—I don’t condone smoking, but even I’d light up a ziggare for this feature.

Handmade namely for celebrities, production costs were nearly limitless and interior options included buyers’ choice of wood, veneers, leather, and/or wool. The boot even came loaded with two custom leather suitcases for extended journeys.

With the 300 SL, you got performance. With the 300 d, you got awesome luxury. With the 300 Sc Coupé, you got the best of both…with no apparent compromise. Carefully restored to factory specifications, this 2+2 is ready for it’s next garage to sleep dormant in—though, we wish it would make someone’s weekend getaway sled.

History

– Hand-built during largely mass-production era

– One of 98 Coupés built (only 760 models sold in total)

– Restored to factory specifications (numbers-matching)

Specifications

~175 horsepower (DIN), 2,996 cc OHC inline six-cylinder engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with tube shocks and coil springs, single-pivot rear swing axle with tube shocks and coil springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,902 mm

Vehicle information

Chassis no.: 188.014.7500024

Engine no.: 199.980.7500024

Body no.: A188.014.7500014

Valuation

Auction house: RM Sotheby’s

Estimate: (No Reserve)

Price realized: Auction on February 3