1959 Mercedes-Benz (W189) 300D 'Adenaeur'

• Supplied new to Australia in right-hand drive, this rare W189 Type 300D Adenauer has benefitted from the warm dry climate and presents beautifully
• Finished in gleaming Schwartz paintwork with extremely well preserved Bordeaux leather interior
• A matching numbers example accompanied by its original book-pack with service book and driver's manuals
• Benefitting from a recent (200 miles ago) full inspection and service with a written report. No warnings or advisories and described as 'on-the-button'
• Imported into the UK with taxes paid on a NOVA with V5c applied for by our vendor
• A well-built, graceful, luxurious classic car rarely seen on British roads, an unusual discovery in such fine order
• The car of choice among West German government officials and was widely favoured by businessmen, financiers and politicians, indeed, 'Adenauer' became its unofficial model name, after German Chancellor Dr Konrad Adenauer, its most famous customer 

Daimler-Benz AG emerged from the smoking rubble of World War II in somewhat precarious health, with production plants that had been pretty comprehensively levelled by Allied bombing. Far from being a broken nation, the resilience of the workforce was remarkable and Mercedes-Benz resumed car production in 1946, albeit with the pre-war 170V, a modest middle-class car that had been their best-seller in the 1930s. However, in less than six years, the company was sufficiently confident to return to the luxury market when the Mercedes 300 was introduced at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show and for the duration of the Fifties, Mercedes-Benz prestige line-up was based on the 300 range, at the heart of which was essentially the same superb 2996cc overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine found in the legendary 300SL 'Gullwing'.

The 300 Saloon was aimed squarely at Captains of Industry and Heads of State - indeed, the model was nicknamed 'Adenauer' after Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. In office from 1949 to 1963, he employed six custom convertible, hardtop, and landaulet versions during his tenure. Inside, the 300 was beautifully executed in polished wood, with deep bucket seats trimmed in either cloth or leather and a division was available as an option for those who preferred to be chauffeur driven. Improvements came with the 300B of 1954 in the form of twin Solex carburettors, along with servo-assisted brakes and minor styling changes while the 300C model of September 1955 saw the option of a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic for the American market. Introduced in August 1957, the 300d was the linear successor to the 300c, with a longer wheelbase, fuel injection, and unique hardtop configuration transforming it into a pillarless 'Phaeton'. An additional four-inches of wheelbase provided greater rear legroom, equalling that of the long wheelbase Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Removable rear quarter-lights allowed an unobstructed view in and out from the front vent window all the way to the back, much valued in the model's popular role as a 'parade car'. Employing a slightly detuned version of the 300 SL sports cars Bosch fuel injected engine, the 300D produced 180bhp at 5500 rpm. Automatic transmission was standard and power brakes, power steering, and Artic-Kar air-conditioning were added as options.

Offered here is a truly magnificent 1959 Mercedes-Benz (W189) 300D delivered new in right-hand drive to Australia. Presented in Schwartz-black paintwork with a remarkably well preserved, luxurious Bordeaux leather interior this particular ‘Adenauer’ has benefitted from the warm, dry Australian climate. It's fitted with a matching-numbers, fuel-injected, 3.0-litre straight-six making 180bhp coupled to a 3-speed automatic transmission

Consigned from a private Mercedes-Benz collection and selected for its superb condition, the 300D’s bodywork has benefitted from some cosmetic attention with the underside also in good order as might be expected from a vehicle from a dry country vehicle. The inside is well-preserved and largely original, good condition, retaining the deep-red factory leather upholstery and the wooden door caps, veneers, Bakelite and chrome all present with patina commensurate with the car’s age. All of the controls, gauges, and electrics currently work as they should.

Although MOT exempt due to its ‘Historic’ car status, the 300D was subject to a full Lubrication Service under 200 miles ago in 2020, with no warnings or advisories. The invoice on file details a full oil and filter change with engine flush and supply of new battery. The major service included checking; engine fluids, V-belts, brake pads and handbrake operation, engine ignition system, all electrical items, brake fluid and coolant levels. Also, a full inspection of underbody including; suspension bushes, steering system, exhaust system, prop shaft and couplings, fuel tank lines and wheel bearings.

It's accompanied by a detailed history file including the original owners manuals, service book and the original tool kit. All taxes have been paid and the car comes with its NOVA letter from the DVLA and the V5 logbook has been applied for. Wearing its 62 years well, the 300D starts on-the-button, drives well, stops as it should with the body showing no obvious accident damage.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a truly remarkable 300D 'Adenauer'. Its commanding presence and stately manner are irresistible to both occupants and bystanders alike.