For Sale at Auction: 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 186.014.00290/53
Engine No. 186.920.00278/53

Produced between 1951 and 1957, the Mercedes-Benz W186 Type 300 stood as the marque's postwar flagship, epitomizing luxury, authority, and technical sophistication. Successor to the prewar 770, the 300 rivaled elite contemporaries such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S1. The Cabriolet D variant was positioned at the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz range, offering the appeal of grand top-down motoring in ultimate comfort. When new, these models commanded prices exceeding those of their British counterparts and nearly double that of the celebrated 300 SL Gullwing Coupe.

Renowned for both comfort and performance, the 300 attracted heads of state and industrial magnates, offering bespoke amenities that could include a glass partition, VHF mobile telephone, and dictation machine. Nicknamed the "Adenauer," it honors Konrad Adenauer, West Germany's first Chancellor, who favored specially commissioned examples throughout his tenure.

Fully restored under prior ownership, this Cabriolet D is finished to an exceptional standard. Finished in Light Green Metallic, it is complemented by a dark green Haartz convertible top that lowers gracefully to transform the car into an elegant open touring automobile. Power is supplied by the 3.0-liter inline-six, paired with a four-speed column-shifted manual transmission. Inside, the beige leather interior is accented with dark green piping, with the theme extending through the matching carpeting and binding. The burl walnut dashboard trim extends around the windshield and along the tops of the doors. Housed in the rich wood dash is a Becker N�rburg radio and correct-type VDO instrumentation. The spacious luggage compartment contains two matching spare wheels and a fitted two-piece luggage set, enhancing the car's touring capability.

Today, the "Adenauer" is recognized as a symbol of postwar German resurgence and among the most imposing and dignified offerings of its era. One of just 455 Cabriolet Ds produced, examples restored and presented to this standard are increasingly scarce, reflecting both the model's complexity and the considerable investment to restore it to such an exquisite presentation.