Mercedes-Benz 300 B Pininfarina

Vehicle Overview

The Mercedes-Benz 300 B Pininfarina is a unique and elegant creation, blending German engineering with Italian design flair. In late 1954, Pininfarina expressed interest in purchasing a Mercedes-Benz 300B to rebody it as a pillarless coupe. The cautious German manufacturer, concerned about maintaining their brand’s high standards, requested detailed renderings of the proposed design before proceeding. Once satisfied, Mercedes shipped the 1954 300B chassis #186.010450005 to F.A. Saporiti, the Mercedes-Benz dealer in Milan, on January 17, 1955. This particular 300B stands out due to its styling, which was more contemporary than any other luxury car Mercedes-Benz offered at the time. While the standard 300 series cars of the Eisenhower era featured flowing fenders and dignified coachwork inspired by pre-war traditions, this 300B, built in 1955, anticipated the look that Mercedes-Benz would adopt with the introduction of the 220S Coupe in 1957. The transformation of this car into a stunning coupe was a gradual process, documented in four stages by photographs before it was sold in 1956. Of the three Mercedes-based projects completed by Pininfarina in the 1950s—which included the 300 S Cabriolet and the 300 SC Coupe — this 300B coupe is considered the most harmonious. Observers note a tail treatment reminiscent of Facel Vega designs and a rear three-quarter view that evokes a Bentley-esque profile. Records indicate that Mercedes-Benz only delivered the car to Pininfarina after approving the detailed drawings. Whether a complete car or just a running chassis was sent remains unclear. During a comprehensive restoration, a body identification tag was discovered under the left front kick panel, indicating the car was indeed a 1954 300B sedan sold to F.A. Saporiti. The November 1955 issue of *Road & Track* featured a photograph of this car, highlighting its new Italian design. The Mercedes-Benz 300 B Pininfarina also appeared in other international publications such as “Industria Automobilistica Italiana” in 1957 and “Automobil Revue” in June 1955, showcasing its blend of elegance and performance, and marking its place in automotive history.