Mercedes-Benz 300 Classic Cars for Sale

The Mercedes-Benz 300 was a high–end motor vehicle produced by the company in different variants between 1951 and 1962. The car was Mercedes-Benz' flagship model, and as such was expensive and aimed primarily at businessmen and politicians. The vehicle is also sometimes referred to as the "Adenauer Mercedes".

The History of the Mercedes-Benz 300

The Mercedes-Benz 300 was first brought to the attention of the public in April 1951 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with the four door "W186" model going into production later that year. The Mercedes-Benz 300 was built on the proven X-frame chassis and sported a new 3 litre engine. It was designed with reliability in mind, and was intended to continue functioning over prolonged periods of hard use. The Mercedes-Benz 300 also boasted a number of high end features, such as dashboard–operated suspension. In 1954 the 300b, or W186 III, would replace the 300, adding a number of functional upgrades such as vacuum assisted power brakes. The following year the 300c, or W186 IV, was released and with it came the option of a 3–speed automatic transmission as an alternative to the 4–speed manual transmission that had been available up to that point.This model also featured an increase in engine power.

In 1957 it was the turn of the 300d, and a code change from W186 to W189. This rendition of the Mercedes-Benz 300 featured a longer wheelbase and a distinctive pillar–less hardtop design. The 300d would run until 1962, when the Mercedes-Benz 300 would cease production of all 300 models to be replaced by the 600 "Grand Mercedes".

The W188 Variant

The W188 Type 300 S was introduced in the same year as the W186, and was Merceds-Benz' top–end car at the time. It was a 2–seat roadster coupé, and was essentially the same as the W186 mechanically speaking, however it sported various visual tweaks and a more powerful engine, not to mention a much higher price tag. The W188 would run from 1952 to 1955, setting the standard for luxury cars during that time. In 1955 it would be replaced by the W188 II, or Type 300Sc. The W188 II was largely similar to its predecessor, with only minor visual changes and a slightly detuned engine to separate them. This model was produced until 1958.

Adenauer Mercedes

Though not an official name for the Mercedes-Benz 300, it is often referred to as the Adenauer Mercedes, largely due to the fact that the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany at the time employed no less than six custom Mercedes-Benz 300 vehicles during his term.