1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 4-Speed Manual – Adenauer, Inspected

Here is a 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 4-Speed Manual which has been with the current owner since 2002 following a just-completed restoration. It is known as an Adenauer because post-WWII German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer liked being driven around in six custom-prepared examples, a common inclination among celebrities and industrialists of the day. A good thing he held the status he did because there were a mere 591 built during its production run – made up of three iterations retroactively dubbed a, b and c – from 1952 to 1956, all hand-built in Stuttgart, all by custom order. The first all-new Mercedes-Benz design following the war and carried out by Hermann Ahrens, it was at once constructed to a tank-like pedigree in terms of structure to the level of the pre-war 500K and 540K and a bellwether of the beauty that was to come from Mercedes-Benz in the form of the 300SL Gullwing. Restored to the current high level prior to purchase by RM Auto Restoration in Blenheim, Ontario, Canada, this car does retain much of its originality, down to the original three-piece luggage set by Karl Baisch, which even includes the original coat hangers within one of the cases. On a presitgious car like this, we remind users that we offer financing – info/apply here or Contact Us – and that the Buyer Premium drops one percentage point for the portion of the closing price above $100,000.  Another note:  the owner had professional photos in a rural setting done some years back and requested that we use some of these; these dated photos are labelled as such.

Powered by an aluminum head three-litre straight-six M186 engine displacing 2975 cc fed by twin downdraft Solex carburetors, this W186 produces a factory rated 115 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission in place, sending power to the rear wheels. The four-speed is shifted on the column, please see our driving videos to observe its functionality. The engine bay is near impeccable with nary a scratch, let alone hint of corrosion. See the work order from 2016 in our gallery for some refurbishment work completed at that time, notably a re-build of the braking system in addition to other items. The owner suggests replacing the battery. A comprehensive inspection was completed in November 2024, please see the inspector’s report on condition here; it is also included in our gallery. Minor mechanical items were found to need attention – oil seepage by the carburetor, air filter maintenance, radiator cap seal compromised. The underside is photographed and has been kept very clean.

A copy of a factory specifications sheet is included in the gallery and comes with the car. Two translations that are included on a separate sheet set out Mercedes-Benz codes of 229 for exterior colour green and 10_1 for green leather interior. The finish remains of high quality, reflecting very light use since the early 2000’s restoration was completed. The brightwork continues to glisten, believed to reflect an original finish that has been very well cared for. We note chrome pitting only on the underside of the rear seat ashtray covers. One blemish on the paint accompanied by a small ding near the fuel door has been touched up and appears with a coin in our gallery. Other noted imperfections on the exterior are exclusive of painted surfaces – the right front indicator light shows some discoloration fore of the surrounding chrome and the chrome rear bumper has been dented on the driver’s side with a cracked light lens.

The type 300 W186 began production in late 1951 after being introduced in April of that year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The flagship model of the line, approximately 7,500 saloons were produced over the four-plus year run, making the Cabriolets sought after and valuable today not only for their beauty but also their rarity. There were two revisions during the run – that this is a first-iteration model (also produced for the ’53 model year) is reflected in the single pane in the windows of the front doors. This cabriolet comes fitted with a tan-coloured soft cloth top complemented by a functional Landau bar and matching parade boot photographed separately.

The 15” wheels are painted body colour with chrome trim rings as well as covers featuring brightwork, this same colour and Mercedes-Benz branding. Wide whitewall S-rated radial tires are by BFGoodrich measuring 215/75, tire model is Silvertown, tread remains good. There are two matching spare BFGoodrich wide whites mounted on similar wheels in the trunk, which is generous enough for these and the two large Karl Baisch suitcases to fit smartly within, there is a third smaller matching case which can be transported in the cabin; even the key is still with the luggage. Underneath, there is a four-wheel independent suspension with a pedal-operated lubrication system. The chassis is constructed with an X-frame while the rear suspension features an adjustable torsion bar. The braking system is by hydraulic drums at all four corners. Curb weight is 1820 kg, just over 4,000 pounds.

On the inside, there is an opulent mixture of hardwood trim; rich, soft, supple leather with matching carpets; and brightwork retaining a gleaming shine. The two-spoke, large-diameter steering wheel has a full-rim chrome horn within and a three-pointed star at its hub. It fronts instrumentation by VDO, central is a 120 MPH speedometer with an odometer and trip odometer within. The odometer shows under 29,000 miles, true mileage unknown (TMU). To its left are gauges for oil pressure measured in BAR and coolant temperature while to the right are a fuel gauge and amp meter. Switches and knobs below are chrome with a chrome plate background extending rightward to ventilation and temperature controls and all the way across to span the width of the dash. Above the heater controls is the factory Becker Nürburg radio, which powers up, though the inspector was unable to bring in a signal. Hardwood surrounds the windshield and provides door arm rests for occupants of window seats. Door hardware is also finished in chrome with door cards in a green matching the soft leather and carpets. In addition to the ashtrays, the rear passengers are treated to a central armrest. Even the sun visors and parking brake handle are substantial though while the VDO analog dash clock remains, it is inoperable.

“Grand Style and Ultimate Period Comfort on Offer!” This 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 4-Speed Manual – Adenauer is available with original three-piece Karl Baisch luggage set, Mercedes-Benz-branded spare tire tools in non-original tote bag, twin spares and some maintenance records from the owner in Toronto, Ontario.

“Grand Style and Ultimate Period Comfort on Offer!” This 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D 4-Speed Manual – Adenauer is available with original three-piece Karl Baisch luggage set, Mercedes-Benz-branded spare tire tools in non-original tote bag, twin spares and some maintenance records from the owner in Toronto, Ontario.

Data plate translations:
Baurnuster – Model: 300 / 186014
Nutzlast – payload: –
Leergewicht – empty weight: 1820 kg
Zul. Gesamtgewicht – permissible total weight: 2185 kg
zul. Achsdruck Vorn – permissible axle pressure front: 1085 kg
Fahrgestell Nr. – chassis number: 01550 / 52
Baujahr – year of construction: 1952
Hubraum cm3 – displacement in cubic centimetres: 2975
Entstört nach Gruppe – Suppressed by group: –
zul. Achsdruck hinten – permissible rear axle load: 1100 kg

More videos and Photo Gallery appear below the bidding section. 

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