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 3.0L
overhead cam, aluminum headM186 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 early300 modelswas
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
