Mercedes-Benz W188
| Mercedes-Benz 300 S/300 Sc | |
|---|---|
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S roadster | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 1952−1958 300S: 1952-1955 300 Sc: 1955-1958 W188 Coupé: 314 W188 Cabriolet/Roadster.: 446 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Two-door luxury car |
| Body style | 2 door coupé 2-door cabriolet 2-door roadster |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W188 |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz 300 Mercedes-Benz 300d Mercedes-Benz 300SL |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2996 cc M188 I6 (300 S) 2996 cc M199 fuel-injected I6 (300 S) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | W188: 2,900 mm (110 in) |
| Length | W188: 4,700 mm (190 in) |
| Width | W188: 1,916 mm (75.4 in) |
| Height | W188: 1,510 mm (59 in) |
| Curb weight | W188: 1,670 kg (3,680 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz 770 |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz W112 |
The Mercedes-Benz W188 was a two-door luxury sports tourer produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1951 and 1958. The company's most expensive and exclusive automobile, the elegant, hand-built two-door 300 S (1952-1955) and its successor 300 Sc (1955-1958) were the pinnacle of the Mercedes line of their era.
The pair's conservative styling belied their technological advances, sharing numerous design innovations and mechanical components with the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing", including engine, suspension, and chassis.
In addition, it shared other refinements with Mercedes' flagship four-door (W186) 300 "Adenauer" sedan, including a pedal-operated chassis central lubrication system, and a dashboard operated electrical torsion-bar activated rear load-leveling suspension leveling system.
The W188 was available as a hard-topped coupe, a cabriolet, and a roadster (fitted with a lighter, fully retractable soft top without the cabriolet’s heft and large landau bars).
A total of 760 W188s were produced between 1952 and 1958, 560 300S and 200 300 Sc.