1951 Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer D Cabriolet (W186)
Vehicle Description
1951 Mercedes-Benz 300 Adenauer D Cabriolet (W186)
The Mercedes-Benz 300 "Adenauer" was a luxurious, top-end model produced from 1951 to 1962, known for its prestige and use by prominent figures like West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.The "Adenauer" nickname is a testament to its popularity and association with this influential figure.These cars were available in both hardtop and open-top (cabriolet) configurations, featuring a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine.This vehicle is the 1951 model year, and was the first for the 300, initially produced as the 300a.
The four-door 300 (W186) was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in April 1951 and entered series production in November 1951.It had no "a" designation, which was informally added, along with the "b" and "c", by later enthusiasts seeking to distinguish the three W186 generations.
Before the release of the widely popular and eye-catching Mercedes Ponton models of the 1960s, the German automaker had developed the Type 300, also known as the Adenauer. While these Ponton models would look quite similar, the 1951 Mercedes Benz 300 Cabriolet had a separate body and frame while the Pontons would be unitized. First introduced at the 1951 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Type 300 offered extreme luxury in combination with stability and superior riding comfort. These beautiful and stately automobiles were instant symbols of prestige and class, and were used by many heads of state, royalty and even the Pope. Thanks to its desirability, the Mercedes Benz 300 would see a production run of more than a decade, during which time there were several specification changes: the 300B, 300C, 300D, 300S and 300SC
Available as both a saloon and cabriolet, it featured graceful modernist bodywork atop Mercedes' proven X-frame chassis. An all new 3.0L (2996cc/182in³) overhead cam, aluminum headM186straight-6was coupled to a 4-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox. Twin downdraftSolexcarburetors and an innovative diagonal head-to-block joint that allowed for oversized intake and exhaust valves produced 115PS (85kW; 113hp) at a 6.4:1 compression ratio.
Designed to give reliable service under prolonged hard use, the engine featured deep water jackets, thermostatically controlled oil cooling,copper-leadbearings and a hardened crankshaft. With no natural cruising speed, the car could sustain anything up to its maximum speed all day, road conditions permitting. The combination of a rigid X-shaped ovoid steel tube frame and four-wheelindependent suspensionprovided surprisingly nimble handling.Double wishbones,coil springs, and astabilizer barwere used up front and Mercedes' typical double coil springswing axlein rear. An innovative dashboard-operated rear load-leveling suspension engaged atorsion barto increase stiffness by one-third when needed, and a pedal-operated central lubrication system kept friction points silent.Brakes were hydraulic drum all around, steering worm-and-sector, replaced in 1952 byrecirculating ball.
A total of 591Cabriolet Ds (retroactively referred to as the "300a" series) were produced through September, 1955.
***This particular car has spent the last two decades in a private collection in Kuwait, owned by a distinguished member of the royal family. I have imported the car to the USA, and the car is now located in Crownsville, MD with a clear Maryland title. Inspections are welcomed by request, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
