The absolute darling of the world’s elite in the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster was unlike any other automobile that came before it. This two-owner example will be offered at Dorotheum’s Classic Cars and Automobilia sale on 18 June…

Black beauty

Carry Grant, Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper and Clark Gable – just a few from the long list of famous names who fell for the opulence and charm of the Mercedes-Benz 300 S. And we can hardly say we’re surprised. Even today, the 300 S stands in a class of luxury and style that few can rival, especially in convertible form like this example. Twice the price of the most exclusive Cadillac and a substantial amount more expensive than the sporting 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ when it was introduced, the 300 S was destined for the Jet Set. This car was purchased by a German businessman and shareholder of Daimler-Benz, perhaps as a company car or, as we’d like to believe, a lavish gift for one of his (female?) subsidiaries. It’s resided in France with the same German owner since 1982, during which time it’s been regularly exercised, cherished and enjoyed. Now it could be yours – it’s set to under the gavel at Dorotheum’s Classic Cars and Automobilia sale, estimated at 520,000-680,000 euros. In comparison to a ‘Gullwing’, we’d call that a snip…

Photos: Dorotheum