1959 Mercedes-Benz 300D Adenauer (W189)

Daimler-Benz AG emerged from the smoking rubble of World War II in somewhat precarious health, with production plants that had been pretty comprehensively levelled by Allied bombing. Far from being a broken nation, the resilience of the workforce was remarkable, and Mercedes-Benz resumed car production in 1946, albeit with the pre-war 170V, a modest middle-class car that had been their best-seller in the 1930s. However, in less than six years, the company was sufficiently confident to return to the luxury market when the Mercedes 300 was introduced at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show, and for the duration of the 1950s, Mercedes-Benz prestige line-up was based on the 300 range, at the heart of which was essentially the same superb 2,996cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine found in the legendary 300SL 'Gullwing'.

The 300 Saloon was aimed squarely at Captains of Industry and Heads of State - indeed, the model was nicknamed 'Adenauer' after Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. In office from 1949 to 1963, he employed six custom convertible, hardtop, and landaulet versions during his tenure. Inside, the 300 was beautifully executed in polished wood, with deep bucket seats trimmed in either cloth or leather, and a division was available as an option for those who preferred to be chauffeur driven. Improvements came with the 300B of 1954 in the form of twin Solex carburettors, along with servo-assisted brakes and minor styling changes, while the 300C model of September 1955 saw the option of a Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic for the American market. Introduced in August 1957, the 300D was the linear successor to the 300C, with a longer wheelbase, fuel injection, and unique hardtop configuration transforming it into a pillarless 'Phaeton'. An additional 4" of wheelbase provided greater rear legroom, equalling that of the long wheelbase Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Removable rear quarter-lights allowed an unobstructed view in and out from the front vent window all the way to the back, much valued in the model's popular role as a 'parade car'. Employing a slightly detuned version of the 300 SL sports cars Bosch fuel-injected engine, the 300D produced 180bhp at 5,500rpm. Automatic transmission was standard and power brakes, power steering, and Artic-Kar air-conditioning were added as options.

Offered here is a truly magnificent 1959 Mercedes-Benz (W189) 300D, delivered new in right-hand drive to Australia. Presented in Schwartz/black paintwork with a remarkably well-preserved luxurious Crimson leather interior. This particular 'Adenauer' has benefitted from the warm, dry Australian climate. It's fitted with a matching numbers, fuel-injected, 3-litre straight-six producing around 180bhp coupled to a 3-speed automatic transmission. Having formed part of a small private Collection in recent years, the 300D's bodywork has benefitted from some cosmetic attention with the underside also in good order as might be expected from a vehicle from a dry country. Internally, the original leather upholstery remains, and the wooden door caps, veneers, Bakelite and chrome all present with patina commensurate with the car's age. It's accompanied by a detailed history file including the original Owners Manuals, service book and the original toolkit.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly remarkable 300D 'Adenauer'. Its commanding presence and stately manner are irresistible to both occupants and bystanders alike, and it's rather unlikely that you will park next to another one.