Mercedes-Benz 300d Cabriolet D (W189)
Highlights
Data & Facts
This Automobile
According to its data card, this Mercedes Benz 300d Cabriolet D was delivered in February 1960. The original colour scheme at the time of delivery was grey (colour code DB 190) with special upholstery in natural leather (colour code 1068) and a matching beige soft top (code 702). The equipment included single front seats, burl wood decor in the interior, a Becker Mexico radio with automatic aerial and 5-wheel whitewall tyres.
The special feature of this example is the rare manual gearbox, which was available as an alternative to the standard automatic transmission. The manual gearbox offers the advantage of a long ratio rear axle and thus enables a much more harmonious rev range than the three-speed automatic.
According to the data card, this car was delivered to its first owner in the USA via Mercedes Benz Sales. Later, the rare 300d Cabriolet D returned to Germany. There is a vehicle registration document from 2011 in the Germersheim area (Rhineland-Palatinate).
In 2019, the last owner acquired this prestigious car from Mercedes specialist Kienle. The engine had only been overhauled a few kilometres earlier. A good ten years ago, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration. In the course of this work it was also painted in a sophisticated Bordeaux red (code 573). This is a top-quality paintwork, which today presents itself in a polished condition. The well-fitting and complete chrome trim conveys an excellent condition. The interior has also been renewed and wears a light patina.
With only 65 examples manufactured, a Mercedes 300d Cabriolet D is a real rarity anyway. In combination with a manual gearbox, however, it is even rarer, as presumably only around a third were equipped with this specification. The installed power steering, together with the improved manual gearbox, ensured comfortable and easy driving characteristics, just like a modern vehicle.
Model History
The Cabriolet version of the Mercedes-Benz 300 (W186) was introduced at the beginning of 1952, one year later than the saloon, and immediately became a bestseller for the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer in the premium vehicle league. Only around 450 units were built in three different variants, largely by hand, until 1956.
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.
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. In addition, the final expansion stage of the 300 carburettor engine with 125 hp instead of 115 hp had a powerful effect. Visually, the 300c can be recognised by the hinged windows in the front doors and the large indicators as well as the front and rear bumper horns, which the predecessor did not yet have.
From 1957, there was then the final expansion stage with the designation 300d. Although the chassis and frame were taken over from the 300c (only the extended version with 3,150 mm wheelbase), the modifications were so significant that the model was given a new model series designation as the W189. The engine now had mechanical intake manifold injection with an output of 160 hp. Moreover, an automatic gearbox was standard, but a manual transmission was available as an alternative on request. From March 1958, power steering was available as an option, but this was reserved for vehicles with automatic transmission. The 300d also underwent a visual overhaul. The rear section was more voluminous and almost resembled a notchback compared to the previous round, sloping design. This increased the boot volume by 15%. The C-pillar of the saloon was now narrower, while the missing B-pillar allowed the side window areas to be fully opened.
A good 3,000 units were built of the 300d saloon. However, the 300d Cabriolet D is an extremely rare variant, with only 65 units manufactured. It is as exclusive as an open-top Mercedes 300 Sc.
This Automobile
According to its data card, this Mercedes Benz 300d Cabriolet D was delivered in February 1960. The original colour scheme at the time of delivery was grey (colour code DB 190) with special upholstery in natural leather (colour code 1068) and a matching beige soft top (code 702). The equipment included single front seats, burl wood decor in the interior, a Becker Mexico radio with automatic aerial and 5-wheel whitewall tyres.
The special feature of this example is the rare manual gearbox, which was available as an alternative to the standard automatic transmission. The manual gearbox offers the advantage of a long ratio rear axle and thus enables a much more harmonious rev range than the three-speed automatic.
According to the data card, this car was delivered to its first owner in the USA via Mercedes Benz Sales. Later, the rare 300d Cabriolet D returned to Germany. There is a vehicle registration document from 2011 in the Germersheim area (Rhineland-Palatinate).
In 2019, the last owner acquired this prestigious car from Mercedes specialist Kienle. The engine had only been overhauled a few kilometres earlier. A good ten years ago, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration. In the course of this work it was also painted in a sophisticated Bordeaux red (code 573). This is a top-quality paintwork, which today presents itself in a polished condition. The well-fitting and complete chrome trim conveys an excellent condition. The interior has also been renewed and wears a light patina.
With only 65 examples manufactured, a Mercedes 300d Cabriolet D is a real rarity anyway. In combination with a manual gearbox, however, it is even rarer, as presumably only around a third were equipped with this specification. The installed power steering, together with the improved manual gearbox, ensured comfortable and easy driving characteristics, just like a modern vehicle.
Model History
The Cabriolet version of the Mercedes-Benz 300 (W186) was introduced at the beginning of 1952, one year later than the saloon, and immediately became a bestseller for the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer in the premium vehicle league. Only around 450 units were built in three different variants, largely by hand, until 1956.
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.
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. In addition, the final expansion stage of the 300 carburettor engine with 125 hp instead of 115 hp had a powerful effect. Visually, the 300c can be recognised by the hinged windows in the front doors and the large indicators as well as the front and rear bumper horns, which the predecessor did not yet have.
From 1957, there was then the final expansion stage with the designation 300d. Although the chassis and frame were taken over from the 300c (only the extended version with 3,150 mm wheelbase), the modifications were so significant that the model was given a new model series designation as the W189. The engine now had mechanical intake manifold injection with an output of 160 hp. Moreover, an automatic gearbox was standard, but a manual transmission was available as an alternative on request. From March 1958, power steering was available as an option, but this was reserved for vehicles with automatic transmission. The 300d also underwent a visual overhaul. The rear section was more voluminous and almost resembled a notchback compared to the previous round, sloping design. This increased the boot volume by 15%. The C-pillar of the saloon was now narrower, while the missing B-pillar allowed the side window areas to be fully opened.
A good 3,000 units were built of the 300d saloon. However, the 300d Cabriolet D is an extremely rare variant, with only 65 units manufactured. It is as exclusive as an open-top Mercedes 300 Sc.