1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer (W186)
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Highlights
- One of only 20 right hand drive models
- Restored in 2008
- Rare sight on the market
- Extensive storage over the last 15 years resulting in lovely condition
The Appeal
The unsung rival of high end luxury barges of the time, the Type 300 was equal in features, and price, to the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud as well as the Bentley S1 - but was superior in performance. Sharing many design innovations with the iconic Benz 300SL “Gullwing”, including the engine, the suspension, it was always regarded as much of a driver's car.
This particular example was stunningly restored back in 2008, and since then has only been driven approximately 300km in the last 15 years - some would argue it was a waste, but it means the new custodian of this stunning piece of automotive history is acquiring a gorgeous example in healthy condition!
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered on the 27th of January 1954
- Removed from long term storage in 2007 in great general condition
- Lovingly restored from 2007 to 2008 in Lyon
- Very little mileage driven since the restoration completion (around 300km)
- Interior retrimmed at the time of restoration
- Technical inspection of the vehicle expired back in 2015, a few of them are visible in the gallery
- Matching numbers example
- Original exterior paint colour
- All vehicle brightwork has been restored
- Tyres have recently been replaced
- Clutch recently been replaced
The Interior
- Retrimmed interior
- White fabric with green leather upholstery
- Some signs of use on the fabric, driver's side has some gentle patina
- Brightwork throughout is in lovely condition
- Wooden panels are all in stunning shape with excellent gloss
- Roof lining in lovely shape with rails and hangers in place
- Carpets in excellent condition front and back
- Boot in great condition with spare wheel and original tool kit
- Radio and air controls functional
As the saying goes, they don’t make ‘em like they used to… And it’s a damn shame that they don’t. Of course, being a main rival for the RR Silver Cloud, you’ve got to expect a high level of opulence, and this Type 300 seriously doesn’t disappoint, it is undoubtedly exquisite. During the restoration of the vehicle the interior was retrimmed in a stunning white and green combination, which contrasts beautifully alongside the bright chrome work and the dark wooden panels which are laced throughout the entire cabin.
Upon opening the driver side door you’re instantly drawn into the luxurious front seat, which by the way, is on the right hand side of the car, being only one of twenty examples. The seats themselves are in lovely condition, the driver side does have some gentle visible signs of wear on the edge of the cushions on the fabric, however aside from this they’re very presentable, The leather portions all appear to be free from any scratches and the stitching remains intact.
Right in front of you, the large original steering wheel is stunningly presented, retaining a glossy black finish with its sleek chrome horn press. Just behind this, the original dials remain in place and all of the control buttons rest along the chrome strip which runs just below, the entire length of the dash. Just above the gauges, the wooden trim running the entire length of the cabin is in stunning condition, showing an impressive level of gloss, and this continues everywhere you look - not just here! The centre console houses the original Becker-Nurburg radio which is entirely functional, as are the heater controls located just underneath.
Moving into the rear seats, the story is very much the same here. The seats remain in fantastic condition, the leather is all seemingly flawless as is the stitching. Door cards remain in very nice and presentable condition too, with only the front driver's side showing a small mark on the arm rest and a light scratch on the extendable pocket.
It’s certainly not something you see all too often, and the opulent condition makes you appreciate it just that bit more. From front to back this Type 300 is a fabulous place to be ferried around in.
The Exterior
- Stunning period correct green paint
- Brightwork is all in gorgeous condition, and there’s plenty of it!
- Windows all remain functional
- Body panels all remain remarkably straight
- Panel gaps are that of factory fitment
- Paint-matched wheels in stunning form
- Period correct white walled tyres
It’s pretty easy to see why this big opulent saloon was a rival to such prestigious vehicles of the time, it not only has the interior to ferry around royalty, but it has the looks to match it with a dashing amount of bright chrome work laced throughout the entire vehicle.
Starting at the front of the car, we’re instantly drawn to the huge grill covered in chrome, making a statement about just how important and upper echelon it really is. The grill presents itself beautifully and appears to be in flawless condition. All of the lights located at the front of the vehicle remain free from any damage and free from moisture ingress too, and the chrome light surrounds as well as the chrome bumper bar are in stunning shape just like the grill. Paintwork appears to be in extremely nice condition too thanks to the very little use since the car's restoration.
Moving around to the side of the Mercedes, we see more brightwork encompassing the side windows all presented in gorgeous condition, the windows themselves all remain functional with their smaller vents too. Accentuated arches flowing down the sides over the front doors are in lovely shape with very smooth panels, and the panel gaps between the doors appears to be that of factory fitment. The paint throughout the side of the car is impeccable. Front and rear wheels are all in gorgeous shape with clear brightwork, and the white wall tyres add that perfect aesthetic to this 50’s stunner.
Around to the rear, much of the story remains the same. Paintwork is in great order, brightwork is absolutely fantastic, and the lights are free from any damage. There’s something quite dashing about the design work on this 300, it highly resembles the rear of the 300SL with its sloping rear boot lid and low profile lights. An extremely nice design attribute to have, we must admit.
The restoration of this stunning 300 has been preserved wonderfully thanks to the low use over the years and the correct storage of the vehicle, however now the car is ready for a new lease of life with a new custodian, begging to be shown off like it truly does deserve.
The Mechanics
- 2996cc inline-6 cylinder M186 engine
- 4-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission
- Rear wheel-drive configuration
- 113bhp power output
- Twin downdraft Solex carburettors
- Four wheel independent suspension
- Clutch recently replaced
- Mechanically well sorted and ready for the road
The graceful bodywork was mounted atop the Mercedes proven X-frame chassis, featuring a new 3.0L inline 6, overhead cam engine with aluminium head, and coupled to a four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox. Thanks to the fantastic underpinnings and the powerful engine it shared with the lavish 300SL, it retained the title to being quite the drivers car - assisted by the fact it had completely independent suspension as well as an innovative dashboard-operated rear load-levelling suspension engaged a torsion bar to increase stiffness by one-third when needed.
Over the course of the vehicle's restoration back in 2008, it was seen that the car was mechanically sound and ready for the road. And to this day, it’s still ripe and ready. The current custodian of the vehicle states that all the vehicle required was a fresh clutch, some new tyres and some hoses - aside from that it's a lovely runner.
Summary
A vehicle which has been criminally underrated and overlooked over the years, especially when you consider how popular its rivals are. This 300 is absolutely worthy of the opulent title, maybe even more so than some of the cars it has been put head to head with. Thanks to the shared engineering with the 300SL you can rest assured that this vehicle is an absolute joy to drive.
A fabulous addition to anyone's collection and a piece worthy of being put on show!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1954
- Make Mercedes
- Model 300 Adenauer
- Colour Green
- Odometer 91,840 Kilometres
- Engine size 2996
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Pacy sur eure
- Country France
20
bids
- DC•••• €59,000 26/11/22
- ar•••• €57,000 25/11/22
- di•••• €56,500 25/11/22
- me•••• €55,000 25/11/22
- di•••• €53,000 25/11/22
- me•••• €52,000 25/11/22
- ar•••• €48,000 25/11/22
- me•••• €47,000 25/11/22
- di•••• €45,000 25/11/22
- DC•••• €42,500 25/11/22
The Gallery
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