Fantasy Junction

Description

1951 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D Prototype
s/n 18601400006/51, body no. 31861600001, engine no. 1869215500371
Medium Green with Tan Broadcloth Interior

Despite the depressed state of postwar Germany’s economy and the damage sustained to the nation’s and Mercedes-Benz’s infrastructure, Mercedes was able to produce a luxury car of the highest caliber during the 1950s. In the same vein as the 770 ‘Groβer’ that preceded it or the 600 that succeeded it, the 300 series was a world-class limousine that successfully incorporated a blend of opulence, exclusivity, irreproachable build quality, sophisticated technological features, and surprising performance. They were extraordinarily expensive when new (nearly four times as much as a Cadillac in 1955 and nearly twice as much as a 300SL) and in spite of the still healing wounds in the international community as the result of the war, these cars were able to transcend prejudices because of their inherent superiority. They had incredible presence and were beautifully engineered and built. Most chromed components were made of solid brass, and were test-fitted to cars before even being plated. The interiors were furnished with materials of the highest quality, and fitted luggage and Becker radios often fitted.

But they were also relatively understated, especially when compared to the more ostentatious offerings from Rolls-Royce and Cadillac, and were in an altogether different league with regard to mechanical sophistication. Their austere and commanding presence made them perfect for state use by high officials in the German government, including Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, whose name will always be intimately associated with the later variants of these impressive cars, and who used no fewer than six of them. The cars found a distinguished clientele who appreciated the exclusivity and outstanding quality of the cars, and perhaps even their 100mph performance. The vast majority of 300s were closed cars, but a few percent of the production, never more 9%, were open four seat cabriolets designated the Cabriolet D. The designation was a carryover from other Mercedes models, including the 500, 540, 380, and various others. The Cabriolet A designation indicated cars that seated two and had no rear quarter windows, while the Cabriolet B and C had rear seating and were equipped with and without quarter windows respectively.

This particular car was the first Cabriolet 300 built, bearing body number 00001. It was completed on the 17th of April 1951, fully eleven months before regular series production of the Cabriolet began in March of 1952. This is one of just two 300 Cabriolets built in 1951, and comes with copies of the original build sheets indicating the original colors and equipment of the car as well as that is a 186-II CD (Cabriolet D) type. It was originally finished in DB229 medium green, the color it still wears today, with graugrün (“grey green “) leather interior. This car belonged to an owner on the east coast in 1990 and was comprehensively restored to extremely high standards approximately twenty years ago. It was displayed in the Blackhawk museum in 1996 before being sold to its most recent owner in Southern California in late 1996. Those owners kept the car until 2013, using the car extremely sparingly. The car shows virtually no use or wear since the restoration and has recently seen a comprehensive service by vintage Mercedes specialists Import Motors in Oakland, California to bring the car to its current excellent running and driving state. Included in this work was rebuilding the carburetors and fuel pump, refurbishing the fuel system, new soft brake lines, and new seals in the front brake drums (to prevent the automatic “one shot” lubrication system fluid from reaching the friction surfaces. A new battery was also installed. The total for this work was approximately $3700.

The car retains a freshly restored appearance and it is clear that it has been carefully stored and used very minimally since the restoration. The paintwork was performed to high standards and the body is extremely straight with great gaps and fit. There are a few small chips about the car and a small dent in the left rocker panel, no larger than a pencil eraser. The brightwork is excellent overall, with few signs of wear and aging: some very light swirls and surface scratches, a small area of pitting on the driver’s door handle, and some discoloration on the right front door trim. The chrome is otherwise excellent. The glass and lights are excellent as well, and the car has European market lighting including rear lamps and headlamp glass. The canvas top is excellent and has correct trim and seals, including the extremely costly rear windscreen seals and trim, which are in excellent order. There is some cracking on the front windscreen rubber weatherstrip.

The interior was restored to equally high standards and is correctly presented with excellent chrome trim, beautifully refinished woodwork, and high quality upholstery. The broadcloth upholstery was done to high standards and has a wonderful 1950s feel to it. It is nearly unmarked other than a few light stains. The wool carpets are also excellent and the dashboard is a work of art, with piano level gloss to the extensive woodwork and beautifully restored instruments, switches, and chrome trim.

The engine compartment presents extremely correctly and is clean overall, with only light soiling from disuse which could be rectified with relative ease. The correct finishes and detailing are in place, from the decals on the valve cover and air cleaner to the glass windscreen washer fluid reservoir. The trunk was restored to equally high standards with new semigloss paint, correct rubber mat, and jack and lug wrench which are both in place. The spare was also restored.

This is a truly unique opportunity to acquire a significant open Mercedes. The very first 300 Cabriolet built, this car represents the end of an era for Mercedes and has been beautifully and correctly restored. It has also been recently serviced and is complete with original brochure, copies of the build sheets, instruction manual, parts catalog, and car cover.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608