Vehicle Description
The grand and imposing 300 series was a landmark automobile for
Mercedes Benz, not because it was one of the finest machines they
ever built, or that it became the transport of choice for heads of
state and captains of industry, but because it was the first
totally new car to be produced by the Stuttgart company since the
end of World War II. It is difficult to imagine a more appropriate
machine with which to make a comeback statement. The W186 made its
debut at the Frankfurt motor show in April of 1951, with production
commencing in November of the same year. It was initially available
as a four-door limousine and a four-door open cabriolet. The
sweeping Hermann Ahrens-design body sat upon a robust X-frame
chassis. It was powered by a newly developed 3.0 L overhead cam,
aluminum head M186 straight-6 that was mated to a 4-speed
all-synchromesh manual gearbox. The engine produced 115hp using
twin downdraft Solex carburetors and an innovative diagonal
head-to-block joint that allowed for oversized intake and exhaust
valves. The engine's design provided reliability under prolonged
hard use with careful attention paid to the cooling system and
oiling systems. It even had a thermostatically controlled oil
cooler to ensure quick warming and optimal operation in tough
conditions. The engine was so well constructed that it stayed in
production until 1967. Variations of the M186 power plant were
developed and went on to be used in the 300 S/300 SC Gran Tourer
and eventually the iconic 300SL. The car's outstanding build
quality made it choice for royalty and heads of state, which
included such figures as the first Chancellor of the Federal
Republic of Germany, Konrad Adenauer in whose honor the car would
come to be referred to as simply "an Adenauer." In comparison to
the hardtop, the rarest of the early 300 models was the four-door
Cabriolet D, as is presented here. From the 1951 model year through
1955, over 6,000 hardtop cars were built. In that same period, only
591 four-door Cabriolet D were produced. This rare Cabriolet D is
one of what is thought to be less than 200 convertible models built
during 1953. Our featured 300 is simply the finest we have ever
come across. This recipient of a complete nut-and-bolt restoration
some years back that executed with meticulous attention to detail.
It has beautifully finished in Pearl Green with a Dark Green Haartz
cloth top, rendering it undeniably stunning. Proudly sitting on a
set of proper bias-ply white wall tires with correct body-color
wheel covers, every aspect was carefully considered during the
restoration process down to the proper hose clamps. The big 3-liter
straight-six engine has also been accurately restored and detailed
and runs superbly. Behind the engine lies a four-speed manual
gearbox, which proves to be a joy to use once one becomes
accustomed to the column-operated shifter! The meticulous
restoration continues into the interior, with beautiful light tan
leather upholstery complemented by dark green stitching. The top
and boot are crafted from gorgeous Haartz cloth, while the wood,
carpet, and chrome maintain their original quality. This vehicle
still houses the original Becker-N�rburg radio, encased in a
refined walnut wood panel dash. The chrome-accented instruments and
center-mounted VDO analog clock retain their pristine appearance,
reminiscent of the showroom floor. Additionally, this 300 includes
the original Karl Baisch 'his and hers' luggage set, neatly stowed
in the trunk alongside the two spare tires. Moreover, it includes
the original Mercedes-Benz Type 300 Instruction Manual, Catalog A
Booklet, and Service Book. Given their complexity, many of these
great cars are restored and left to sit. But they are incredibly
robust and a real joy to experience on the road, particularly with
that massive convertible top folded. This is an absolutely
beautiful motorcar that will be welcome at any concours event and
will reward all those who get to experience it on the go. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7718-1953-mercedes-benz-300-cabriolet-d/
