1959 Mercedes-Benz 300D Hardtop Sedan

In 1951 at the Frankfurt Auto Show Mercedes-Benz introduced a new line of vehicles that would be their top-of-the line offering in the post-war era. There were two configurations offered, a limousine or four-door Cabriolet D. Intended for the US market, the vehicles were large and powerful and carried a sticker price that was far above the cost of a typical four-door sedan. They were intended for the wealthy and prominent in society.

Production lasted from 1951 through 1962 with a total of 11,430 examples being produced. The example shown is a 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300D Saloon finished in black was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA. It was offered without reserve and expected to sell for $40,000-$60,000. It has a red leather interior and a six-cylinder engine capable of producing 115 horsepower. On auction day the vehicle found a new owner, selling for $31,900.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2006