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LOT 412

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300d 'Adenauer' Limousine Registration no. 440 XUG Chassis no. 189.010.22.002641

Estimate: £50,000 - £60,000
Lot 412

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300d 'Adenauer' Limousine
Registration no. 440 XUG Chassis no. 189.010.22.002641

1961 Mercedes-Benz 300d 'Adenauer' Limousine
Registration no. 440 XUG
Chassis no. 189.010.22.002641

Odometer reading: 63,485
MoT expiry date: exempt

*The last word in automotive luxury in its day
*Automatic transmission
*Rare right-hand drive model
*Superb history file with thousands spent


Introduced in 1951, the Mercedes-Benz 300 owed the design of its independently suspended oval-tube chassis to the 170S of 1949, and would later provide the mechanical basis for the incomparable 300 SL sports car. Additional refinements appropriate for the company's top-of-the-range luxury saloon included an improved steering mechanism and remote electrical control of the rear suspension ride height. Initially developing 115bhp (DIN), the 3.0-litre, overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine was increased in power for succeeding models. Other improvements included larger brakes (with servo-assistance from 1954); optional power steering; and three-speed automatic transmission as standard on the 300d.
Custom built by Mercedes-Benz's most experienced craftsmen, the conservatively styled 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 throughout Europe and the USA was widely favoured by businessmen, financiers, and politicians. Indeed, 'Adenauer' became the 300 saloon/limousine's unofficial model name, after German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, its most famous customer.
This 'Adenauer' formerly belonged to Sir Freddie Laker. There are numerous bills on file amounting to vast sums spent on the vehicle, which include a full respray and interior trimming. which is vendor-rated as in very good condition and comes with an old-style logbook, article trimmings featuring the car and various model related manufacturers brochures/manuals.

To Schedule a video condition report for this lot please click here

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 61/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15/25
Body Work: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 3
Paint: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Seats: 3
Trim: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12/20
Mechanical components: 3
Running: 3
Starting: 3
Under Bonnet: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12/20
Axles: 3
Brakes: 3
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3

Car History File: 4/5

Saleroom notices

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