Gordan Mandich
Specialist
Lot 31
1959 Mercedes-Benz 300D 'Adenauer'
Amended
16 January 2020, 11:00 MST
Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & SpaSold for US$29,120 inc. premium
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1959 Mercedes-Benz 300D 'Adenauer'
Chassis no. 189010-12-9500164
Chassis no. 189010-12-9500164
2,996cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,500rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*The premier German luxury sedan of the 1950s
*Lovely, sorted driver condition
*In the care of the present owner for nearly a decade
*The top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz model
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 300 'ADENAUER'
One of Mercedes-Benz's first all-new designs of the post-war era, the 300 saloon debuted in 1951 and would succeed in re-establishing the Stuttgart firm in the front rank of prestige motor manufacturers, marking as it did a return to the marque's tradition of building high-performance luxury automobiles of the finest quality.
The 300 featured independent suspension all round, four-wheel drum brakes, hypoid bevel final drive, dynamically balanced wheels and remote electrical control of the rear suspension ride height. Initially developing 115bhp, the 3.0-liter, overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine, also used in the 300 SL sports car, gained the latter's fuel injection in the restyled, longer wheelbase (and even more roomier) 300d of 1957. Other improvements included larger brakes (servo-assisted from 1954), optional power steering (on the 300d) and the adoption of three-speed automatic transmission as standard on the latter.
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 was the car of choice among West German government officials and was widely favored by businessmen, financiers and politicians. Indeed, 'Adenauer' became its unofficial model name, after German Chancellor Dr Konrad Adenauer, its most famous customer.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Between 1957 and 1962 when production ceased, Mercedes-Benz made 3,077 300D saloons, this car being one of 607 completed in 1959. Although the early history of the car is not yet known, it was acquired by the current owner —purported just the third keeper of the car—a decade ago. The car is equipped with a glass partition allowing the rear passengers to ride in privacy; an exceedingly rare option which is believed to have been fitted on only 21 cars.
Showing nicely today, here is a lovely example of a rarely seen model. Despite far surpassing the production of the 300SL, Adenaurs are an exceedingly rare sight given their technically advanced drivetrains and high restoration costs. The luxury tourer has recently been serviced and has had its fuel pumps fully rebuilt. Finding one that is in nice, driver condition such as this one is a real treat and will no doubt provide many happy and comfy miles in the future to its next owner.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this car will require a thorough safety check and the brakes to be repaired prior to use. Also note, the title will be in transit.