1952 Mercedes-Benz 300

The 300 Series (W186) was one of the first all-new models produced by Mercedes-Benz following World War II. Designed by Hermann Ahrens, these important vehicles were as expensive as they were expensive, often used by politicians, dignitaries, celebrities, captains of industry, and other wealthy individuals. They quickly received the nickname 'Adenauer' because of the six custom examples that saw use by the chancellor of Germany at the time, Konrad Adenauer, and symbolized the success of their owners.

The 300 used a cross-braced, oval-tube chassis with similar body lines of the 170S and 220, with four-wheel drum brakes, an independent suspension at all four corners, a hypoid bevel final drive, dynamically balanced wheels, and remote electrical control of the rear suspension ride height. In the front were coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the back used a swing-axle with coil springs, servo-operated auxiliary torsion bars, and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. The 3.0-liter, overhead camshaft, six-cylinder engine developed 115 horsepower and was backed by a four-speed all-synchromesh transmission. It had a light-alloy cylinder head, cast-iron block, a chain-driven overhead camshaft, and a sloping head arrangement with the joint face between the block and cylinder head angled 30 degrees. This setup allowed for larger diameter valves and improved breathing. An automatic choke was fitted to the twin Solex dual downdraft carburetors, another American-influenced design.

Introduced in 1951 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, they were designed specifically for the export market, specifically the North American market which was both larger and healthier than most of Europe. American design influences could be seen in a number of areas, such as the abundance of chrome that grew greater with succeeding versions. They had a modern wraparound windshield and flush-mounted headlights. Initially, the series was only available in the four-door configuration as either a saloon or cabriolet. The 300 S (W188), or Super, model was introduced in mid-1952, carefully combining the elements of the existing 300 series with the upcoming but delayed 300 SL sports car. The most notable enhancement was a 30-percent boost in horsepower, from 115 to 150, and the top speed now reached 110 mph. Its design continued to feature the wraparound windshield, curved rear body line, and gracefully flowing wing lines. The interiors came with supple leather, burled walnut trim, a dash with chrome-accented instrumentation, and switchgear that had the precision of the finest jewelry. The standard equipment list included vacuum-assisted brakes, reclining stead, windshield washers, backup lights, and no-glare mirrors. Three new bodies on a 25-centimeter shorter chassis were introduced, including a cabriolet, roadster, and coupe.

The luxurious, well-trimmed, and exclusive 300 Series were custom built by Mercedes-Benz's most experienced craftsmen, trimmed with the finest materials, and built to the highest quality. They were as fast as they were elegant, and one of the very few contemporary vehicles capable of carrying six passengers in comfort at sustained high speeds. Priced at DM24,700 in 1954, the 300b Cabriolet D version was among the world's most expensive - if not the most expensive - automobiles of its day. It was the rarest of the early 300s, complete with a well-engineered, landau bar-assisted cabriolet top, leather-swathed interior, accommodations for six, and trim of chrome-plated solid brass.

Pilot builds began in April of 1951, with customer car production commencing in November. The 300 saloons remained in production through March of 1954 when it was replaced by the 300b variant. The 300b (W186) was introduced in March of 1954 and came with front door vent windows and vacuum-assisted power brakes. With the help of different Solex carburetors and an increase in compression to 7.5:1, the engine now delivered 123 horsepower. The 300c (W186) followed in September of 1955, adding an optional 3-speed automatic transmission and larger rear windows.

Just 591 examples of the Cabriolet Ds were built from late 1951 to the summer of 1955, with 262 built during 1952. Approximately 560 examples of the 300 S were built, with 216 of those being coupes. 1,432 examples of the 300c saloons were built through July 1957. 51 were 300c series Cabriolet D's built through June of 1956.

The 300 Series was so successful that it remained in the Mercedes-Benz line-up for eleven years under three subsequent generations. The 300c was replaced in 1957 by the long-wheelbase 300d (W189) that wore revised bodywork and was powered by a fuel-injected engine.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020