Rare 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300C in Original 'Strawberry' Red Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has acquired a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300C Sedan finished in its original factory-issued "Strawberry" red (DB543), marking a significant addition to its growing automotive collection. This color represents an extraordinary choice for one of the most powerful and conservative luxury sedans of its era, typically ordered in more subdued tones. Known internally as the W186, the Mercedes-Benz 300 series served as the brand's flagship long before the legendary 300SL gained prominence. The model earned the nickname "Adenauer" after German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who used a fleet of specially built examples, establishing it as a benchmark of 1950s luxury and engineering excellence.

Competing directly with luxury marques like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Cadillac for favor among global leaders and business elites, the 300C offered an elite driving experience that balanced dignity with daring performance. The mechanical specifications underscore its advanced engineering for the period, featuring a 3.0-liter SOHC inline-six engine fed by twin Solex carburetors and paired to a 3-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission. The chassis incorporated independent front suspension and a coil-sprung rear swing axle, providing ride quality and handling that reflected the cutting-edge design Mercedes-Benz was known for, even in its heaviest luxury sedans.

What distinguishes this particular vehicle is its rare color specification and exceptional preservation. The factory build sheet confirms the unique "Strawberry" paint color, an unexpected yet elegant hue that sets this example apart from the typically conservative color palette chosen by most period buyers. Additional distinctive features include a full-length Webasto sunroof, chrome-on-brass exterior trim, and a meticulously preserved interior with original VDO instrumentation, chrome switchgear, a Becker Mexico radio, and period-correct upholstery details that collectively evoke the grandeur of 1950s automotive luxury.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's significance, stating, "This 300C is a showstopper—not just for its presence and condition, but for its individuality. It's rare to find a luxury sedan from the 1950s that feels both dignified and bold, and this car does exactly that." The museum continues to welcome automotive enthusiasts through its doors at its North Fort Worth location, which features 150,000 square feet of exhibition space with free parking and admission. With only 885 examples built in 1956 and just 1,432 produced in total, the Mercedes-Benz 300C remains a highly collectible piece of mid-century automotive history, and this particular example stands as one of the most visually striking specimens preserved today. Visitors can learn more about the museum's collection and hours at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.