1961 Mercedes-Benz 300D

civilian automobile production resumed following World War II, with most manufacturers working aggressively to re-tool their line, focusing on higher volume production, and re-introducing pre-War designs rather than creating an all-new vehicle. This was true for Daimler-Benz, but they were also eager to re-establish themselves as one of the world's pre-eminent automakers. As the 1950s came into view, plans were underway for a new top-of-the-line car, intended to emulate the legendary 770K Grosser of the prewar era.

In April of 1951, at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new car to the public. It was initially available in only two configurations consisting of a four-door Cabriolet D or a limousine. Later that year, the new 300 entered production.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 was built to the highest quality and intended for the American market. Exclusivity was ensured by the very high price tag, costing as much as three Cadillacs. The cars were often the choice of royalty and heads of state, including the Shah of Iran and West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer. The German Chancellor was such a fan of the car that they would come to be referred to as 'an Adenauer.'

Production lasted from 1951 through 1954 with a total of 11,430 examples built. Comprehensive improvements resulted in the 300b for 1954/1955, followed by the 300c for 1955/1957. In 1958, a new body design was introduced which had a four-inch longer wheelbase which allowed additional rear legroom for the occupants. The styling remained conservative yet modern. The chassis included the swing-arm rear axle design that was seen throughout the Mercedes-Benz lineup at the time. It was given a driver-controlled, self-leveling device consisting of electric motors that actuated jackscrews that moved an extra pair of torsion bars. This added to the vehicle's safety and enhanced the ride. This new 300 was dubbed the 300d.

In the front was a longer hood that concealed the updated version of Mercedes-Benz's three-liter single overhead cam six-cylinder engine. It was given a Bosch mechanical fuel injection system which helped the powerplant produce 160 horsepower. All the examples destined for the U.S. soil were fitted with a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission. Stopping power was improved with larger brake drums and a new brake booster. Power steering was now standard.

The Cabriolet D body style was very exclusive and during the four-year production lifespan, just 65 examples were produced.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan
Chassis number: 2795-12-1

From November of 1951 through March of 1962, there were 11,430 examples of the Mercedes 300 constructed. This Cabriolet limousine was one of 63 cars produced between 1958 and 1962 (only one was produced in 1962). Production records show this car was built on August 14th of 1961 and was one of the last 1961 models manufactured.

This car was built in October of 1961. It was a European delivery car, used on tour, before arriving 'home' in eastern Virginia. Then it worked, hauling horses for the owner's estate. Her desire was to drive and enjoy the finest auto available. Despite those intentions, the car was not mechanically trouble free. The owner, believing the car required excessive mechanical attention for a vehicle of its pedigree, would decorate the under hood area with a lemon sticker. During restoration, seven life-size lemons were discovered painted inside the trunk lid. They remain there today.

The car was restored in the early 1990s, and was purchased by the present owner from the Blackhawk Collection in 2005.

From the onset, the 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300 was aimed at the American market. The car's outstanding quality was matched only by its breathtaking price - it cost as much as three Cadillac's. But the price ensured exclusivity, and early customers ranged from renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright to actor Yul Brynner. The 300 was also the choice of royalty and heads of state.

Mercedes-Benz 300D is powered by a 3-liter SOHC 6-cylinder engine.

Adenauer
Chassis number: 18998012002056

This 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300D Adenauer was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was offered for sale without reserve and estimated to sell between $30,000 - $50,000. The car is powered by a M189 2996cc six-cylinder engine with Bosch fuel-injection capable of producing 180 horsepower. There is a three-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel dual piston drum brakes. It is a very original example finished in black with a red leather interior. The car has traveled 60,000 miles since new. At auction, the car was sold, selling for $18,700.

by Dan Vaughan

The Mercedes-Benz 300D was introduced in 1951 and produced through 1954. The 300 Series, also known as the W186, was first shown at the 1951 Paris Auto Show. The car instantly became popular with the social elite, the rich, and the famous. The cars were powered by a six-cylinder overhead-valve carbureted engine. There were seven Mercedes-Benz colors to select from. Optional equipment included a Becker radio, VHF short-wave telephone, custom wood trims, leather or cloth seats, carpeting, and a dictation machine, to name a few.

In late 1954, the model was updated resulting in the 300b. The 300b included improvements such as finned drum brakes, a brake booster, and vents in the front door.

The next installment of the 300 was the 300c, which appeared in 1955 and continued through 1957. A sedan version of the 300C cost over $10,800 while the convertible version cost $14,230.

The 300 'd' model, series W189, was produced from August of 1957 and continued until March of 1962. There were a total of 3077 examples produced. The cars were powered by a Bosch fuel-injected six-cylinder engine that produced an impressive 160 horsepower. The Borg-Warner automatic gearbox was a popular option. All cars that were sent to the US were given the automatic gearbox.

Total production of the six different 300 series cars, which lasted from 1951 through 1962, totaled 12,290 units.

A limited number of the 300 Series sedan and cabriolet models were given the name 'Adenauer', which was derived from Dr. Konrad Adenauer, the chancellor of Germany. He used six of these 300 models during his time in office.

by Dan Vaughan