German delivery, since 1966 with its 2nd owner, unrestored!

At the Frankfurt auto show of April 1951, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type 300, a completely new and very exclusive model in both a saloon version as well as an open, four-door variant, called Cabriolet D. From September 1956, Mercedes offered the Type 300c, with optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission for an additional 1,500 DM. From the summer of 1956 onward, the Cabriolet D was only available on special order. No more than 51 units of the 300c Cabriolet D were produced and it is not known how many of those had automatic transmission.

The present Cabriolet D was delivered on 13 April 1956 by the Mende company in Frankfurt to the Langbein-Pfannhauser-Werke AG in Neuß where this stately convertible was used by the chief executives and driven by a chauffeur. On 29 April 1966, the since deceased owner had the car registered in his name after an extensive period in which it had been deregistered. The original registration card still exists. On 12 April 1979 the consigner registered the car in Austria. Closer inspection shows that the original engine has in the past been replaced by the original replacement engine bearing the number 18187/186921. The bodywork was repainted some time ago, the roof has been replaced by the deceased owner. The interior still is in its original state! Two wing mirrors and a search light with small rear-view mirror ensure a good view to the front and back. The present Mercedes-Benz 300c is in exceptional condition: after almost 60 years it could hardly be better while still being unrestored. This Cabriolet D was driven by its (deceased) owner until very recently, as is evident from the 2015 inspection plate. While during a short test drive the car appeared more than ready to get going, servicing would seem sensible. In German post-war history, the „Adenauer” convertible would appear to provide the most seigneurial mode of transport. It combines the advances of post-war engineering with the rugged durability of pre-war cars in a package that is both confident and of a rare authenticity!

FIN: 1860336500337, Laufleistung: 19.405 km (abgelesen), Hubraum: 2.996 ccm/R6, Getriebe: 3-Gang Automatik, Farbe: Hellgrau/Rot (Leder), Leistung: 125 PS, Papiere: Österreichische Einzelgenehmigung