The Mercedes-Benz 300 is a highly significant automobile to the history of the company, as it represented the German automaker’s robust return to production following World War II.

While the firm was forced to focus on smaller automobiles for practical transportation, it also revived its racing program—which offered both publicity and engineering benefits—and set its sights on once again becoming known as a manufacturer of luxury automobiles that would be the envy of all others worldwide.

The 300 was the standard-bearer for that quest, based on a new tubular steel chassis with independent suspension and featuring handsome coachwork that combined the best of the Classic Era and modern lines into one striking whole.

Mercedes-Benz recognized that the 300 saloon and four-door Cabriolet D would not be sufficiently powerful or exclusive for their most well-heeled customers.

Thus, in October 1951, it introduced the 300 S, available by special order in coupe, roadster, and cabriolet body s...