1960 Mercedes-Benz 300d Adenauer Sedan, this amazing luxury car is
totally 100% rust free, excellent Ebony Black paint, immaculate Tan
leather interior, Wilton wool carpet, solid Rosewood interior trim,
gleaming chrome and stainless, 3.0 liter overhead cam fuel injected
180 HP straight 6 cylinder engine, rare 4-speed manual
transmission, power steering and brakes, $20,000 just spent on
mechanical service, runs and drives beautifully, rare and
stunning!
Advertised in period as "The most elegant motorcar in the world,"
the Mercedes-Benz 300d was regarded as the pinnacle of achievement
in the art of manufacturing automobiles. The only support for the
roof was provided by slender pillars of substantial strength (front
and rear), and the four large windows lower completely out of
sight, allowing an unprecedented panorama, and bestowing the 300d
with a distinctive, regal appearance unmatched at that time by few,
if any, other cars on the road.
The Mercedes 300d was a lengthened version of the earlier 300
models, and it was designed to be an executive's limousine that
would compete head-to-head with the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. The
prestige vehicle received a slightly detuned version of the same
engine that Mercedes installed in its 300SL sports car models.
Earlier 300 models had come to be known as "Adenauer", for the West
German Chancellor who favored them as official transportation, and
that prestigious nickname also carried over to the immense
successor. The 300d was unparalleled in its time for comfort, as it
had a vast interior that was swathed in a ship's worth of hardwood
and a herd of thick leather hides, with enough legroom for even the
tallest passenger to achieve comfort.
From its introduction in 1951 through 1954, the car was referred to
simply as the 300. Comprehensive improvements resulted in the 300b
for 1954/1955, followed by the 300c for 1955/1957. By 1958,
however, a virtually brand new 300 emerged, the 300d. A completely
new body was designed featuring a four-inch longer wheelbase for
improved ride and increased rear legroom. Styling remained
conservative, but subtle details brought the design up to date.
The chassis adhered to current Mercedes-Benz practice, including
the swing-arm rear axle design. Although providing the benefits of
an independent rear suspension, loading changes altered rear wheel
camber, an awkward-looking, if not unsafe, condition. The solution,
introduced on the 300d, was a unique self-leveling device,
consisting of electric motors actuating jackscrews that moved an
extra pair of torsion bars. Unlike later systems, the 300d's
leveling system was driver controllable.
The new, longer hood gave the car a more graceful look, while
providing room for an updated version of Mercedes-Benz's 3-liter
SOHC six-cylinder engine. Equipped with Bosch mechanical fuel
injection, horsepower was increased to 180 horsepower. All U.S.
delivered cars were fitted with a Borg Warner three-speed automatic
transmission. Larger brake drums and a new brake booster increased
the power assist, resulting in much improved stopping distances.
With power steering now standard, the 300d offered a much better
driving experience.
From the outset, the new 300 was intended to cater to the needs of
the American market. The car's outstanding quality was matched only
by its breathtaking price - costing as much as three Cadillacs. The
high price ensured exclusivity, and early customers ranged from
renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to actor Yul Brynner. The
cars were also the choice of distinction for royalty, captains of
industry and heads of state, including the Shah of Iran and West
German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, in whose honor the car would
come to be referred to as simply "an Adenauer."
This 300d fairly demands to be taken to the road, where it will
continue to offer beyond-reproach comfort and elegance to its
passengers. There are few cars of this era that offer luxury in
such grand fashion, whether travelling with the family or arriving
for the opening of Parliament. With only 3,077 similar cars
produced through March 1962, the exclusiveness is all the more
apparent.
Please call Carlo Connors at 610-505-8612, or email at
[email protected], or visit www.ConnorsMotorcar.com
