Highlights
- Well presented in desirable black over burgundy colour scheme
- USA car imported and registered in Germany since 1990
- Restored by a previous owner in current colour finish
- Recently equipped with a functioning air conditioning system (R134A)
The Appeal
The simply named W186 300 was Germany’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S1. Built to similarly exacting hand-built standards and aimed at the cream of society, these sculptural, beautifully-built saloons are key to Mercedes’ post-war reputation for quality and engineering.
This car was built in October 1953 so is one of the last to feature the full front side windows, rather than the later design with opening quarter lights that arguably disrupt the side profile. It was first registered in February 1954 in the USA, finished in Graubeige, and spent its life Stateside before returning to Germany in 1990.
The car was extensively restored by the previous keeper and repainted in popular black, which is matched with a burgundy leather cabin. The condition is impressive. The black highlighting the car’s extensive chromework and the interior betraying a light touch of characterful patina. The car has been fitted with modern air conditioning. There are some minor points to note in photos, but nothing untoward.
The car has been in storage and little used in recent years, so we are told it would benefit from a check over a service. Once done, the buyer gets a fine example of one of post-war era’s most majestic motors.
The vendor says:
“This Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer represents the pinnacle of prestige from the 1950s. A car that was driven by heads of state and dignitaries at the time, built by hand and produced in limited quantities.
With some technical inspection, this 300 can once again radiate the grandeur that made it an icon. A true enthusiast's car – majestic, historic, and with a unique story.”
With some technical inspection, this 300 can once again radiate the grandeur that made it an icon. A true enthusiast's car – majestic, historic, and with a unique story.”
History & Paperwork
- Factory built in October 1953
- First registered in USA in February 1954
- Registered in Germany in 1990
- In dry storage in recent years
- German export licence documentation
- Two keys
- Radio handbooks
- Factory build records as shown in photos
The Condition
- Older restoration in black with generally well-kept paintwork as shown
- Originally painted Graubeige (157)
- Paintwork shows signs of use, particularly around the rear window
- Bodywork is in good, used condition following an older restoration
- Sits on white wall tyres with decent sidewall condition and plenty of tread
- Chromework in good order with light tarnish to some minor components
- Interior features red leather and a wooden dashboard in neat condition
- Some light age to interior fittings as shown in photos
- Grey carpets in good order with red protective overmats as shown
- Recently fitted with a modern a/c system in keeping with car’s style
- Grundig radio cassette discreetly fitted inside the glovebox
- Many original features, including Bakelite two-spoke steering wheel
The Mechanics
- M186 3L in line 6cyl 115hp engine
- Four-speed manual fully synchromesh gearbox
- Dual Solex carburettors
- Aluminium cylinder head
- Drives, brakes, and shifts properly, we are told
- Vendor advises that the car requires a technical check-up due to recent storage
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