ercedes-Benz debuted its first post-war flagship sedan at the 1951 Frankfurt Auto Show, unveiling the distinguished 300 sedan, a symbol of European luxury. Available in either a four-door sedan or a four-door full convertible, the 300 sedan garnered acclaim from both the press and buyers for its exceptional engineering and craftsmanship. It quickly became favored by celebrities and dignitaries, notably Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, whose fondness for the sedan led to it being dubbed the “Adenauer.”

Following this success, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300S, a more spirited iteration denoted by the “S” for Super. Built on a shortened chassis by 25 centimeters, the 300S was offered as a coupe, cabriolet, or roadster, all meticulously crafted at the renowned Sindelfingen factory. Serving as a spiritual successor to the legendary 540K, the 300S boasted enhancements such as an uprated 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 3 Solex carburetors, producing 150bhp, an increase from the standard model’s 115bhp.

With only 560 units hand-built between 1952 and 1958, the 300S embodied exclusivity, accompanied by a hefty price tag of $12,680 in 1953—roughly double the cost of a new Cadillac. Despite the premium, notable personalities like Cary Grant and Gary Cooper were among the privileged few who could afford entry into this elite circle, drawn to the 300S’s impeccable craftsmanship and luxurious ambiance.