Description
Mercedes-Benz has a big name in the field of cars in the higher classes. The 300 introduced in 1951, the W186, was the brand’s absolute flagship between 1951 and 1957 and was succeeded by the W189, with a longer wheelbase and injection for the six-cylinder.
The 300 was comparable to cars like the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S1. Although: in terms of price and execution they may have matched nicely, in terms of performance the German gentleman took the win. Options with the 300 were not bad: the statesman or owner of a large company could opt for a glass partition wall, a VHF mobile phone (which you did not put in your pocket, by the way) and a dictation machine. Enthusiasts also know the 300 as Adenauer, named after the first Chancellor of Germany, who ‘wear out’ six of these models between 1949 and 1963. The option list for Adenauer went much further. Writing desks, curtains, Landaulet versions with a half roof and more luxurious excesses are an excellent indication of the caliber of this Mercedes-Benz at the time.
Unlike many competitors, the 300 was seen as a true driver’s car, sharing quite a few design innovations and technical aspects with the 300SL.
The stylish bodywork of both the closed saloon and open cabriolet was built on the Mercedes-Benz X-frame chassis, combined with fully independent front and rear suspension. A three-liter six-cylinder in-line engine is mated to a fully synchronized four-speed gearbox. In the 300 D, the Solex carburetion was replaced by a Bosch injection system and the power increased from 115 hp to 180 hp. An automatic three-speed gearbox was also available, exactly the one with which this copy is equipped.
This Mercedes-Benz 300 D started life as a sedan to be transformed into a convertible during a full body-off restoration. Not surprising, only 65 of the original 300 Cabriolet D were built. This copy was really brought to new condition down to the last detail and care has been taken to all details. You regularly see during the conversion that the windows of the rear doors continue straight, as they are with the sedan. Not with this copy, which is completely consistent with the original, with sloping window lines as with the original convertible.
The condition of the car fits perfectly with the exceptional luxurious appearance of this stately car: formidable. The beautiful body is therefore very sleek and fits are fantastic for each other. The chrome looks new and the same applies to all other visible and invisible details. The interior is possibly even more stylish than the outside of the car. Beautiful red leather in a very nice condition, with matching carpets in a very stylish red color. The wood that can be found everywhere in the interior, such as on the dashboard and on the top of the doors, is of a beautiful quality. Few cars have as much class as a 1950s Mercedes-Benz. We haven’t even mentioned instruments and the controls: art is the first word that comes to mind.
The technology of this 300 is of course completely up to date and fully functional. The engine, which shares some things with the Gullwing 300SL, is a fantastic engine for a car like this. With more than enough power and a very comfortable automatic gearbox, driving this top-class car is a very relaxing experience.
In short, this Mercedes-Benz offers a rare opportunity to be on the road with one of the most luxurious cars of its time. And that also in a beautiful condition. Price reduced from €182, 500,- to €168, 000,-
