Custom $400K 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S Roadster (w/ startup)

A rare 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 S (W188) Roadster arriving at Cars & Coffee at Singleton Classics. This custom car, built using the chassis, body, and suspension from an original 300 S, is powered by a Mercedes-Benz M104 inline-six engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It also features 300 Sc exterior details, power-assisted front disc brakes, and an upgraded interior with air conditioning. This car was sold in 2020 at The Elkhart Collection auction by RM Sotheby's for $401,000.

The problem with classic cars is that, beautiful as they are, they lack many amenities that most people today have come to expect from even the most basic cars. I don't know whether the modifications on this gorgeous 300 S were made using a wrecked donor car or a perfectly original running example, and I won't deny using the latter would have been sacrilege. But at least the owner knew what he was getting at auction. And if he happens to prefer having a 300S for regular driving rather than saving its miles only for special events, this may just be the perfect dream come true!

Would you modify your 300 S with a modern powertrain? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!