1952 Mercedes-Benz 300

Prestigious post-war touring or parade open car
Impeccable restoration with attention to detail
Well appointed with original Becker radio and Karl Baisch fitted luggage
Well sorted and turnkey ready for driving enjoyment
Pride of post-war Germanys Chancellor Konrad Adenauer

After the end of hostilities in the late 1940s, the first priority at Daimler-Benz was getting back to automotive production. While pre-war designs and engineering were used for those first post-war cars, Wilhelm Haspel, who by the late 1940s would be in charge of this legendary Stuttgart company, realized that new and prestigious automobiles would be needed to bring back honor and respect to this well-distinctive organization. To create a prestigious luxury line of automobiles, Haspel called upon the talents of Fritz Nallinger to be the chief engineer and oversee the development of the chassis, suspension and other essential components, while the talents of Wolf Dieter Benslinger were called upon to produce a modern engine able to power these luxury machines. For the sizzle in the package, stylist Hermann Ahrens, a Mercedes man who had designed many of the companys iconic pre-war automobiles, was selected to create a family of impressive vehicles that would show that Mercedes-Benz wasnt just back, but they were ready to once again be a world-class leader in the automotive world.

The result would be the new 300 Series presenting a classy coupe, a sporty cabriolet, a comfortable and luxurious enclosed sedan, plus the stately and commanding four-door open phaeton. Nallingers expertise led to a frame chassis that was an improved version of the proven Mercedes X-frame, while Bensinger did not disappoint with an all-new 3.0 L (2996 cc/182 in) overhead cam and aluminum head, the M186 straight-six engine that would be coupled to a perfected four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox. Dual downdraft Solex carburetors and an innovative diagonal head-to-block joint designed to accept oversized intake and exhaust valves, produced 115 horsepower at a 6.4:1 compression ratio. Shortly after the models introduction, West Germanys first Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer had one of these new Mercedes 300D Cabriolets ordered to be his official parade and motorcade vehicle. So impressed was Adenauer with that car, he would eventually order six models of the W186 family for his personal fleet, which inspired other world leaders to own their own 300Ds, and these awe-inspiring luxury cars would become known as the Adenauer Mercedes-Benz.

This 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300D is one of the earliest of the 455 first-generation Cabriolet D models produced between late 1951 and 1954. Given a comprehensive restoration in the early 2000s, it was purchased by a collector and marque enthusiast in Ontario, Canada before it was acquired by our consignor. It has been given a light refreshening and has been completely sorted; today, this outstanding example of fine German engineering and craftsmanship stands at the ready for motoring enjoyment and brings with it a commanding presence. It is finished in Olivgrn, or in English, Olive Green, with soft pastel leather seats described as mint green in color. Showing old-world craftsmanship the wood trim used for the top of the dashboard and door top garnish molding have been restored to perfection as has the gray canvas folding top. It is fitted with a fully functional heating and defrosting system plus a vintage Becker AM radio with markings for numerous period-correct European broadcasting stations. With 15-inch steel wheels, it is riding on a fresh set of BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall radial tires adorned with a set of factory hubcaps. In the rear storage compartment is a three-piece set of Karl Baisch fitted luggage and a pair of spare tires.

Described as a handsome vehicle that can easily reach and maintain modern highway speeds, this Mercedes 300D is sure to impress all who drive, ride, or observe this impressive automobile.