1952 Mercedes-Benz 300

This 1952 Mercedes-Benz Type 300 Cabriolet D is an absolutely stunning, extraordinarily rare convertible that was the beneficiary of a comprehensive frame-off restoration. Few automobiles in postwar history carry the historical, political, and mechanical weight of the Mercedes-Benz Type 300 Cabriolet D. This is one of them. Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in April 1951, the Type 300 was the first all-new model produced by Mercedes-Benz after World War II. Just six years after the wars end, Stuttgarts engineers had created something extraordinary - a motorcar that could credibly challenge the finest automobiles in the world. Its advanced engineering, sumptuous appointments, and commanding presence made it the immediate choice of heads of state, royalty, and captains of industry. Hermann Ahrens sweeping coachwork sat atop a rigid X-frame chassis, powered by a 3.0-liter overhead-cam inline-six fed by twin Solex carburetors and producing 115 horsepower. Four-wheel independent suspension - double wishbones up front, Mercedes coil-spring swing axle at the rear - delivered handling that rivaled anything in its class. Contemporary road testers considered the Type 300 equal in refinement and superior in performance to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S1. Notably, the 300 shared key mechanical DNA - engine architecture, suspension design, and chassis innovations - with the iconic 300 SL Gullwing. The Type 300 quickly earned the enduring nickname Adenauer after German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who maintained a fleet of six. Early customers included President Theodor Heuss, the Shah of Iran, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and actor Yul Brynner. The open Cabriolet D bodystyle was typically reserved for ceremonial and state occasions, making it the most prestigious configuration in the entire 300 lineup. The four-door Cabriolet D is among the rarest of all early 300 models. Every example was hand-built to order at the Stuttgart works, trimmed in fine leather, hand-finished hardwood, and triple-plated solid brass brightwork - a standard of craftsmanship equal to the legendary prewar 540K. Of the entire Cabriolet D production run spanning 1951 1955, only 591 examples were ever built, making a surviving example, such as this one, exceptionally rare and exclusive on todays collector market. A 1952 Mercedes-Benz Type 300 Cabriolet D is not merely a rare classic - it is a rolling artifact of postwar European history, statecraft, and automotive artistry at its absolute peak. This particular example comes to us from a California collector who took great care of this beauty while under their ownership. Powering this 300D Convertible is the formidable 3.0 Liter Overhead Cam M186 Inline Six cylinder engine that breathes through twin Solex downdraft carburetors, which together were said to have produced 115 horsepower when new. The 3.L inline 6 is mated to a 4 speed manual transmission that is shifted via a column-mounted shifter. Exhaust exits the 115hp German-built power plant through a single exhaust pipe that generates a muted rumble out of the tailpipe. This classic Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet floats down the road on a set of wide whitewall radial tires mounted on body-color painted steel wheels that are accented with matching hubcaps sporting the Mercedes logo, creating for a stylish and smooth ride cruising down the road. Additionally a pair of spare tires are stored neatly inside the trunk should you need them. A drivers side fender-mounted outside mirror provides great assistance in lane changes and squeezing into a tight parking space at your favorite restaurant or car show. A pair of auxiliary fog lights are mounted above the front bumper, providing additional visibility in low light situations. A major highlight of this Mercedes 300 D is the gorgeous chrome and brightwork around the exterior of this high-class imported convertible. The tan cloth convertible top is in wonderful condition as well, accented with functional chrome landau bars that add additional flair. The exterior of this 300D Cabriolet has been refinished in beautiful Medium Olivgrun (Olive Green) paint that completes the exterior look of this outstanding German import. The interior of this 1952 Mercedes-Benz Type 300 Cabriolet D is absolutely gorgeous! The front split bench seat and rear bench with folding armrest are extremely plush and comfortable having been tastefully reupholstered in Mint Green Leather. Similarly, the straight woodgrain trimmed matching leather upholstered door panels and dash, green carpeting, and Mercedes emblem emblazoned steering wheel are all in fantastic restored condition as well and retain a nice stock appearance. Rear seated passengers are treated to a roomy rear passenger compartment outfitted with door-mounted leather arm rests, woodgrain trimmed ash trays, leather braided holding straps, and a leather upholstered folding armrest for a truly luxury cruising experience. Up front, the driver and co-pilot are treated equally well. Sun visors are a welcome addition, helping keep the sun out of your eyes while driving on a sunny summer day. A full array of instrumentation is available to the driver including a 120 MPH speedometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, ammeter, and fuel gauge. The leather and woodgrain trimmed dash is finished off with various vehicle controls as well as a VDO clock, locking glovebox, cigar lighter and ash tray, and even a push-button AM radio. Whether youre adding to your existing collection of collector grade classic cars, or youre buying your very first, this 1952 Mercedes-Benz Type 300 Cabriolet D would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!