Background
During the post-war years, the German economy was in shambles, and so were large parts of its industry. Mercedes-Benz, which had continued to produce cars throughout the war years, had to come up with a successor to its W150 series to compete against the rivalling producers, especially Bentley and Rolls Royce. In 1951, a new flagship model called the W186 was finally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was a luxurious four-door sedan and was available in three different versions: the 300, 300B and 300C. Later, in 1957, an enlarged version, using a different chassis, was launched under the name 300D.
Very similar in features and price to its UK rivals from Rolls Royce (Silver Cloud) and Bentley (S1), the Mercedes offered better performance. Custom built by Mercedes-Benz’s most experienced craftsmen, the 300 was luxuriously appointed and trimmed with materials of the highest quality. Fast and elegant, it was one of very few contemporary vehicles capable of carrying six passengers in comfort at sustained high speeds. It quickly became the transport of choice of statesmen and business leaders and was available with several options including glass partition, a mobile telephone or a dictation machine. Among the statesmen using the 300 as their mean of transportation was the German Chancellor, who had a total of six customized vehicles in his fleet during his 14-year tenure. Consequently, the Mercedes-Benz 300 are today often referred to as the “Adenauer”.
Even though the vehicles might appear big and heavy at first sight, they can be regarded as driver’s cars. Its technologically advanced design and mechanical parts shared in part with the 300 SL (engine, suspension and chassis), make these cars usable and quite easy to live with.
The renowned magazine Autocar described the 300 in 1952 with the following words:
'To the characteristics of high performance, impressive appearance and fine detail finish which distinguished the big Mercedes models of pre-war days are added new virtues of silence, flexibility and lightness of control, while the latest rear suspension, a product of long experience on Grand Prix cars and touring cars, confers a degree of security at high speeds on rough and slippery surfaces which it would be very difficult indeed to equal.'
As mentioned, the 300 was available in different versions, the A, B and C versions succeeding each other over the years. The last iteration of the 300 with a W186 chassis was the C-version, launched in September 1955. Its distinctive features include a larger rear window and an optional 3-speed automatic gearbox by Borg-Warner. A long-wheelbase version also became available in 1956.
A total of 12,190 units were built, of which only 1,432 were 300C saloons, and we are pleased to be offering one of those rare vehicles here.
