Marque and model history :

In the aftermath of World War II, the mid-range Mercedes-Benz 170 V became crucial to Daimler-Benz’s recovery. Between 1947 and 1949, the company produced around 23,000 cars and 11,000 trucks, largely derived from surviving 170 V tooling. Even so, Daimler-Benz did not neglect the luxury segment, introducing the 300 series in 1951. Powered by a 2996cc inline six-cylinder engine and incorporating elements from pre-war models, the 300 combined traditional engineering with exceptional craftsmanship and refinement. Among its variants, the two-door cabriolet was by far the rarest.

The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc featured here is an outstanding example of one of the 1950s’ most exclusive and costly automobiles. Part of the Pranlal Bhogilal collection, this particular 300 Sc was the favoured car of Palden Thondup Namgyal, the final Chogyal (king) of Sikkim. Sikkim remained an Indian protectorate until 1975, having earlier been under British protection since 1890.

The kingdom of Sikkim was established in 1642 when Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated as its first Chogyal by three revered Buddhist lamas, marking the beginning of a monarchy that endured for over three centuries. Palden Thondup Namgyal was the twelfth ruler in this lineage.

When the Mercedes was acquired, his father, Sir Tashi Namgyal, was the reigning Chogyal, though Palden Thondup was already deeply involved in governance, serving as adviser for internal affairs and leading negotiations that formalized Sikkim’s relationship with newly independent India in 1949. He married Sangey Deki in 1950, but she passed away in 1957.

In 1963, he met American socialite Hope Cooke. Their whirlwind romance and subsequent marriage drew significant global media attention to Sikkim. Following his father’s death, Palden Thondup was crowned Chogyal in 1965. Political unrest in 1973 escalated into a crisis that prompted Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to intervene, leading to Sikkim’s integration into India as its 22nd state in 1975 and the end of the monarchy.

After accession, Palden Thondup became a private citizen. Personal tragedies followed: estrangement from his wife, the death of his eldest son Tenzing in 1977, and his own passing from cancer in 1982.

Meanwhile, his 300 Sc found a cherished place in Pranlal Bhogilal’s collection. Introduced in late 1955 for the 1956 model year, the 300 Sc improved upon the earlier S with fuel injection and 175 bhp. Priced at $12,000 – costlier than the 300SL – and favoured by celebrities such as Clark Gable, only 49 were built between 1956 and 1958, with most surviving today, including this example.