Mercedes Benz 300b Cabriolet D
Highlights
Data & Facts
This Automobile
According to the available data card, this Mercedes Benz 300b Cabriolet D was delivered in February 1955. The original colour scheme at delivery was a special silver-grey metallic paint finish with black leather upholstery and a black rubber fabric soft top. The equipment included a Becker Le Mans radio with automatic antenna. The vehicle was then delivered to the USA via Mercedes-Benz New York.
Later, the 300b Cabriolet D returned to Europe. The car was then purchased in autumn 2006 by its last owner in the Bonn area with the purchase agreement available. The vehicle was in its original, unrestored condition and in need of extensive work. Subsequently, as agreed at the time of purchase, a comprehensive restoration was carried out by a well-known German specialist company in Bavaria. The invoice for this work amounted to EUR 100,000 and is available, as is detailed photo documentation.
As part of the restoration, the 300 Cabriolet was given its current colour scheme in ivory (DB 608) and red leather upholstery. The work included the restoration of a flawless body and a like-new interior, plus a new soft top and a technical overhaul of all relevant components (engine, electrics, chassis). In addition, the front brake system was converted to disc brakes for good driveability. The gap dimensions and fits, as well as the well-fitting and complete chrome trim, convey an excellent condition.
After restoration and handover to the owner, he used the car with great appreciation, participating in various events and taking extensive trips. The car was also used as a wedding vehicle within the family circle. Even today, this 300b Cabriolet D still benefits from its comprehensive restoration and impresses with its excellent overall condition. The red leather interior and burl wood alone are a feast for the eyes.
Model History
At the beginning of 1952, one year after the saloon, the Mercedes-Benz 300 (W186) convertible was launched and immediately became a bestseller for the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer in the luxury car segment. The open-top version of the 300 series was always designated the “Cabriolet D”.
Many famous personalities such as Gary Cooper or Yul Brynner ordered one of these cars early on and a number of heads of state, such as the Shah of Persia or Emperor Hirohito from Japan, were among the prominent owners of this impressive vehicle. Even the then German Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, insisted on being driven in a 300 Mercedes. This gave rise to the common term ‘Adenauer Mercedes’ for the Type 300.
Like the Type 220, the 300 was powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine with an overhead camshaft. In its first version, this engine delivered 115 hp and enabled a top speed of 160 km/h. The basic construction of the frame and chassis was similar to that of the Type 170S and Type 220, but was adapted to the higher weight and performance of the 300. A major innovation was the electrically switchable torsion bar suspension, which compensated for the level of the rear wheels when heavily loaded – initially 365 kg was permitted.
From March 1954, a modified version was available, the 300b, internally known as the W186 III. The improvements included a higher-compression engine with an increase in power to 125 hp, wider brake shoes and a vacuum brake booster. There were also a few minor changes to the exterior: the 300b had hinged windows on the front doors, chrome stone guard fittings on the rear wings and bumper horns at the front and rear.
The 300c was the revised version of the 300 from 1955 and had the internal designation W186 IV. The main innovation was the modernised single-jointed rear axle, which provided significantly better road holding. The engine remained unchanged and was thus the final version of the 300 carburettor engine with an output of 125 hp.
In the first three different variants (300, 300b and 300c), only 642 units were built largely by hand as Cabriolet D models until 1956.
Source: Mercedes Benz Public Archive
This Automobile
According to the available data card, this Mercedes Benz 300b Cabriolet D was delivered in February 1955. The original colour scheme at delivery was a special silver-grey metallic paint finish with black leather upholstery and a black rubber fabric soft top. The equipment included a Becker Le Mans radio with automatic antenna. The vehicle was then delivered to the USA via Mercedes-Benz New York.
Later, the 300b Cabriolet D returned to Europe. The car was then purchased in autumn 2006 by its last owner in the Bonn area with the purchase agreement available. The vehicle was in its original, unrestored condition and in need of extensive work. Subsequently, as agreed at the time of purchase, a comprehensive restoration was carried out by a well-known German specialist company in Bavaria. The invoice for this work amounted to EUR 100,000 and is available, as is detailed photo documentation.
As part of the restoration, the 300 Cabriolet was given its current colour scheme in ivory (DB 608) and red leather upholstery. The work included the restoration of a flawless body and a like-new interior, plus a new soft top and a technical overhaul of all relevant components (engine, electrics, chassis). In addition, the front brake system was converted to disc brakes for good driveability. The gap dimensions and fits, as well as the well-fitting and complete chrome trim, convey an excellent condition.
After restoration and handover to the owner, he used the car with great appreciation, participating in various events and taking extensive trips. The car was also used as a wedding vehicle within the family circle. Even today, this 300b Cabriolet D still benefits from its comprehensive restoration and impresses with its excellent overall condition. The red leather interior and burl wood alone are a feast for the eyes.
Model History
At the beginning of 1952, one year after the saloon, the Mercedes-Benz 300 (W186) convertible was launched and immediately became a bestseller for the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer in the luxury car segment. The open-top version of the 300 series was always designated the “Cabriolet D”.
Many famous personalities such as Gary Cooper or Yul Brynner ordered one of these cars early on and a number of heads of state, such as the Shah of Persia or Emperor Hirohito from Japan, were among the prominent owners of this impressive vehicle. Even the then German Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, insisted on being driven in a 300 Mercedes. This gave rise to the common term ‘Adenauer Mercedes’ for the Type 300.
Like the Type 220, the 300 was powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine with an overhead camshaft. In its first version, this engine delivered 115 hp and enabled a top speed of 160 km/h. The basic construction of the frame and chassis was similar to that of the Type 170S and Type 220, but was adapted to the higher weight and performance of the 300. A major innovation was the electrically switchable torsion bar suspension, which compensated for the level of the rear wheels when heavily loaded – initially 365 kg was permitted.
From March 1954, a modified version was available, the 300b, internally known as the W186 III. The improvements included a higher-compression engine with an increase in power to 125 hp, wider brake shoes and a vacuum brake booster. There were also a few minor changes to the exterior: the 300b had hinged windows on the front doors, chrome stone guard fittings on the rear wings and bumper horns at the front and rear.
The 300c was the revised version of the 300 from 1955 and had the internal designation W186 IV. The main innovation was the modernised single-jointed rear axle, which provided significantly better road holding. The engine remained unchanged and was thus the final version of the 300 carburettor engine with an output of 125 hp.
In the first three different variants (300, 300b and 300c), only 642 units were built largely by hand as Cabriolet D models until 1956.
Source: Mercedes Benz Public Archive