1952 Mercedes Benz 300S Cabriolet (Video 2)

The Bring-A-Trailer, online auction for this rare Mercedes Benz is now live and can be seen here:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/195...

1952 Mercedes Benz, 300S, s/n 300S/ 188.010. 00052/52:
This particular 300S was ordered new by Sr. D. Manuel Díaz of the northern State of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. This is one of just 203 total examples completed from 1952-1958. There were a total of 215 Coupes, 203 Cabriolets and 141 Roadsters completed. Initially they were offered from 1952 to 1954 with triple carburetors and making 150bhp. From 1955 to 1958, they were available in 300SC format with fuel injection and now made 175bhp.

This one was ordered new as soon as the model was announced and completed on May 12th, 1952. It was invoiced new to Sr. Díaz on December 9th, 1952. The original invoice reflects a base price in US Dollars of $8,215 for the vehicle and four options of $230, $50, $100 and $400 for a total of $8,995 USD.

The original exterior color was recorded on the invoice as Green with a Green-Grey Soft Top and Green-Grey leather interior.

The vehicle remained with Sr. Díaz until he sold it on February 3rd, 1958 to Sr. González Ortega of Monterrey, Mexico. It was then sold on in 1961 to Sr. Ignacio Armida Moran of Mexico City. All subsequent owners until the recent import to the States all resided in Mexico City. Less than a year after his purchase, Armida Moran sold this 300S to Sr. Federico Lara Tena.

The car was then acquired on August 10th, 1970 by the famous architect, Sr. Francisco Artigas but not before the car was restored at great expense at the Mercedes Benz factory where it was color changed from the original Green to Black and the interior changed to Beige leather and now with a Black soft top likely at the request of Sr. Artigas. The current museum collection that owns this vehicle shared the following:

“Sr. Artigas is one of Mexico's most famous architects. He was a leading architect in the housing zone of "Pedregal" which is one of the most expensive areas to live in. Estates there go from $5K to $10K per square meter.

Both his son and his grandson are still in the architectural business. His son now has world fame doing numerous top projects."

This 300S would remain with Sr. Artigas for the next sixteen years, until passing in 1986 to the well-known classic car collector, Carlos Hank Rhon. Sr. Hank Rhon and his family are well-known as his father was Mayor Mexico City and he was for many years the proud owner of the very last Ferrari GTO amongst many other special vehicles in his collection.

In 1991, it was sold to Sr. Federico Valdes Krieg and then in 2004 to Sr. Javier Emilio Cruz Aubry. In 2007, it would be sold the current museum collection owners. Upon receipt of the car, a comprehensive, formal, nine-page inspection was completed, copies of which can be seen the photo gallery. The vehicle then underwent a multi-year restoration finishing in 2017.

Over the next seven years, the car covered minimal mileage prior to becoming redundant to the museum collection at which time it was imported to the States for inspections and preparation for the upcoming sale on Bring-A-Trailer.

Upon arrival the car was given thorough inspections, safety checks and full fluid and filter services. The brakes were sticking from minimal use and they were completely disassembled and rebuilt fully.

During my own inspections, I carefully photographed and inspected the vehicle completely, finding it to be well looked after and free of corrosion and in an absolutely fantastic running and driving state.

There are massive and detailed ownership and service records as well as government inspection and registration forms that consistently identify the vehicle by the original chassis and engine number. Copies of which can also be found in the photo gallery as well.

My very best wishes to everyone and best of luck!

Bill Noon

Symbolic International
At Veloce Motors Vault
9340 Dowdy Drive Suite 102
San Diego, California 92126 USA

Phone 619 840 7811
Email [email protected]
Website www.symbolicinternational.com