Recalling the grandeur of the marque’s prewar luxury models, Mercedes-Benz’s 300 series, introduced in 1951, was a true luxury automobile built on a long wheelbase of near-limousine proportions. Equipped with a stout overhead cam, inline-six, the 300 offered hand-built quality and superior performance.

In 1957, the ultimate variant appeared in the significantly updated and revised 300 D, with advanced Bosch mechanical fuel injection and an optional BorgWarner automatic transmission. These features resulted in greatly improved performance, with the engine developing 180 hp and propelling the car to a top speed of over 100 mph. Though nearly 3,100 sedans were built between 1957 and 1962, just 65 open cars were built during this period, making the 300 D cabriolet one of the most exclusive luxury automobiles of the era as well as one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz convertibles. It had the distinction of being one of very few true six-passenger automobiles capable of high-speed touring. Popular among the world’s elite, as well as West German government officials, the model earned its nickname from its most notable owner, chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

According to a copy of its factory build record on file, this elegant 300 D Cabriolet was delivered on October 6, 1959 to a Mr. Fairchild, via the firm’s South Bend, Indiana, distributorship. The document indicates that the car was finished in Tobacco Brown (DB 423), with Natural leather interior (code 1068) and a beige canvas top. It was further optioned with the automatic transmission, power-assisted steering, a special clock, and a Becker Mexico radio. It has since been fitted with an aft-mounted Artic Kar air-conditioning unit as well as the intriguing update of power-operated windows.

This 300 D Cabriolet presents today in a beautiful and highly appropriate Dark Olive Green (DB 291), accented by black leather displaying an inviting light patina, piped in white throughout the spacious passenger compartment, and finished with a black canvas top and boot. The interior is lavishly appointed with varnished wooden door caps and dash panels, which are fitted with dozens of pieces of chrome-plated switchgear. White sidewall tires and chrome wheels beautifully balance the 300 D’s massive presence as does the exterior brightwork. In recent years, the 300 D has been a fixture in respected collections prior to its acquisition by the consignor. Recent tuning was performed by a factory-trained Mercedes-Benz mechanic, which included the replacement of the fuel pump, and the Cabriolet is offered with its jack and manuals in their proper folio.

The most exclusive European touring car of its day, and the largest open, owner-driver postwar model offered by Mercedes-Benz, the 300 D is truly in a class by itself and is a showcase of mid-century opulence, in terms of both style and engineering.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled as 9500367.