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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Mercedes-Benz 300C Berlina Allungata

1956Coachwork by Ghia

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Manufacturer
Mercedes-Benz
Base model
300C W186 IV
Coachbuilt version
Berlina Allungata one-off
Coachbuilder
Ghia
Production period
1956
Body style
Berlina

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Mercedes-Benz 300C Berlina Allungata cars, built by Carrozzeria Ghia, were highlighted in the May 1957 issue of *Quattroruote* in an article titled “The King of Arabia Changes Cars.” These vehicles, crafted with exquisite attention to detail, were commissioned for an Arabian monarch and featured distinctive and luxurious finishes. The 300C Berlina Allungata sedan was originally painted in a refined green with a silver band, and its interior was appointed with a black front seat area and ivory upholstery for the rear. The accompanying Cabriolet was finished in medina red with an ivory band and featured ivory leather interiors with a black upper and lower band. These color choices reflected the opulent tastes of the royal owner. In time, the King had the color schemes updated to better suit his evolving preferences. The Cabriolet was repainted in a sleek black with metallic silver gray accents and a black band, while the sedan’s color scheme was similarly adjusted to match this new aesthetic. The Mercedes-Benz 300C Berlina Allungata sedan eventually made its way to California in the late 1960s, where it was appreciated by car enthusiasts. It returned to Italy in 2009, where it underwent a comprehensive conservative restoration. This meticulous restoration aimed to preserve the car’s original charm and historical significance while rejuvenating its appearance to reflect its classic elegance. Today, the Mercedes-Benz 300C Berlina Allungata stands as a testament to mid-20th-century luxury and bespoke automotive design, with its restored condition and rich history continuing to captivate collectors and enthusiasts. The car’s journey from royal ownership to restoration underscores its enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of Ghia’s craftsmanship.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
One-off
Mechanical platform
Mercedes-Benz 300 C
Production notes
Independent specialist magazine confirms the 1956 Ghia commission on Mercedes-Benz 300C basis and the existence of both the cabriolet and limousine commissioned for King Ibn Saud. Existing one-off classification for this berlina remains compatible with that evidence.

Engine & performance

Specification notes
TECH 2026-09-21 — specialist history identifies the Ghia limousine/Allungata commission as based on the Mercedes-Benz 300 C. Mercedes-Benz 300 C is structured as the donor/platform; stretched-body dimensions and exact chassis remain open.

03 / DESIGN, BODY & SUPPLIERS

Design, body & suppliers

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Ghia
Manufacturer · Documented
Mercedes-Benz

Body form & construction

Body style
Berlina
Platform base
Mercedes-Benz 300 C

04 / EVENTS & CHRONOLOGY

Events & chronology

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

06 / CHASSIS REGISTER

Chassis register

Ownership & provenance

Ownership & history · Legacy attribution
Royal Family

09 / PERIOD ARCHIVE

Period photographs & advertising

THE CONVERSATION

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