Technical characteristics

Exemplary produced: 560 - between 1952 and 1955
No. of cylinders: 6 in line
Displacement: 2996 cc
Diameter x stroke: 85 x 88 mm
Compression ratio: 7.8: 1
Distribution: overhead camshaft
Power: Three Solex inverted carburetors
Electrical system: 12 V
Lubrication: forced circulation
Gearbox: 4 gears and recoil
Clutch: dry monodisco
Chassis: structure of pipes with oval section.
Brakes: servo-assisted hydraulic
Wheelbase: 2400 mm
Length / width / height: 4700 mm / 1860 mm / 1510 mm
Trail: front 1480 mm / rear 1525 mm
Tires: 6.50 x 15 of competition.
Weight: 1760 Kg
Power: 215 HP at 5800 RPM
Maximum speed: 175 km / h

The Mercedes-Benz W188 was a luxury sports car with two doors produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1951 and 1958. The most expensive and exclusive cars of the company, the elegant 300 S (1951-1954) handmade and its successor 300 Sc (1955-1958) were the pinnacle of the Mercedes line of their time.

The couple's conservative style contradicted their technological advances, sharing numerous design innovations and mechanical components with the iconic "Gullwing" of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, including the engine, suspension, and chassis.

Built by hand, it was the high-end vehicle of Mercedes-Benz in its presentation at the Paris Motor Show in October 1951. It was available as a 2-seat roadster, 2 + 2 coupe and cabriolet (with Landau Bars, officially Cabriolet TO ). Although mechanically similar to the contemporary 300 (W186), additional craftsmanship, visual elegance and a 50% higher price elevated the W188 to the apex of the luxury cars of its time.

The 300 S was equipped with a high-performance version of the 3.0 L (2996 cc / 182 in³) top cam of the W186, M189 straight-6 aluminum head. Designed to provide reliable service under prolonged use, the engine featured deep water jackets, an innovative diagonal head-to-block gasket that allowed large inlet and exhaust valves, thermostatically controlled oil cooling, copper and lead bearings and a hardened crankshaft. Triple Solex carburetors and 7.8: 1 compression raised the maximum power to 150 PS (110 kW, 150 HP) at 5000 rpm.

From July 1952 to August 1955, there were a total of 216 coupes, 203 Cabriolet As and 141 Roadsters.

Juan Manuel Fangio used this model in 1954/55 when he competed in the official team.

This copy was acquired in society by Messrs. Fangio and Krusse in 1955. Returned to Germany, after working for a long time for the Mercedes-Benz Argentina, Mr. Krusse sends a letter to Fangio to offer it for sale at a total value of $ 110,000.

Mr. Juan Manuel Fangio donates his 50% and interests Mr. Hector Mendizábal to buy the part of Krusse, which he did.

Finally, in 1996, the Foundation acquired that 50% from Mendizábal, an issue that allows it to add this unit to its permanent collection.