1953 Mercedes-Benz 300a Cabriolet D 'Adenauer'

• One of only 181 Mercedes-Benz 300a Cabriolet D models built in 1953
• Professionally restored between 2003 and 2010 (photographic record available)
• Present ownership since 2010
• Registered in Luxembourg


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.

Technologically advanced, 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-litre, overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine was also used in the 300 SL sports car. The cylinder head was made of aluminium and crankshaft of forged steel. A special oil cooler was fitted and, when the engine was cold, additional cylinder lubrification was provided to protect the engine.

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 widely favoured by businessmen, financiers and politicians. Indeed, 'Adenauer' became its unofficial model name, after German Chancellor Dr Konrad Adenauer, its most famous customer, who is said to have had six ot them between 1949 and 1963.

The original 300 (a) was also available in four-door Cabriolet D form from March 1952, having commenced pre-series production in April 1951. One of the world's most expensive and exclusive automobiles at the time of its introduction, the Cabriolet D cost DM23,700, DM3,800 more than the saloon.

One of only 181 built in 1953, this 300a Cabriolet D left the factory on 6th August 1953, delivered to the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Berlin-Charlottenburg. The car remained 'off the radar' until 2000 when it emerged at a classic car dealership in Eupen, Belgium. In 2003 the Mercedes was taken over by a local German 300 specialist, who restored it to original condition between 2003 and 2010 when it was acquired by the current owner (see purchase invoice in the file). It was at this point that the ageing engine was replaced by a fully restored engine. According to the car's history, and although we cannot certify this, it would appear that the Mercedes belonged to the Polish government, which would explain the presence of flag carriers, special Polich number plates accompanying the car and various items of equipment more luxurious than standard. Electric power steering was fitted later. A detailed photographic record of the restoration is available.

Since its complete restoration the car has covered 40,995 kilometres and been serviced by Mercedes/Merbag Luxembourg and by two experienced independent specialists (see invoices on file). While in the vendor's care the Mercedes has taken part in numerous elegance competitions in Germany and has won the following prizes, among others, 2nd prize at the Oldtimermeeting at Baden-Baden in 2010 and 2011; the Meguiar's Allemagne prize at Baden-Baden in 2013; and the Dekra Automobile prize at Baden-Baden in 2014.

The car comes with the following items: original spare parts catalogue, reprint of the owner's manual, original advertising, original Polish number plates, Luxembourg and Polish flags, file of documents about the car from the local and international press, tailor-made luggage, tool kit, spare wheel, Luxembourg registration papers. Finally it should be noted that the car is equipped with an electric power steering, a reversing camera and a MP3 player connected to Becker Nürburg radio. The car comes with its technical inspection valid until 24th October 2026.