Lot 253: 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300 D Cabriolet

Originally introduced in 1951 at the Frankfurt Show, the Mercedes-Benz 300 range was very much a flagship designed to promote the Stuttgart manufacturer as a producer of the finest luxury cars; an objective it undoubtedly achieved. Ultimately, Mercedes-Benz offered imposing and elegant six seater coachwork, in either closed or open form, allied to a smooth and powerful engine, fine road manners and cockpit-adjustable rear ride height. Using a separate tubular cruciform chassis, the 300 featured independent coil spring suspension all round, together with supplementary torsion bars at the rear, and servo-assisted drum brakes, while transmission was a four speed manual with column change. Power came from a 2,996cc, straight six cylinder engine which, via a single overhead camshaft and twin Solex carburettors, produced 100bhp. During the Fifties the engine underwent various improvements through constant development, power rising to 125bhp for the 300B and 300C models. By the time the final 300D model appeared in 1957 it had Bosch fuel injection, similar to that used on the sensational 300SL sports car which shared the same basic engine, and power had increased to 160bhp at 5,700rpm, enough to waft the big four door limousine from 0-60mph in under 14 seconds and on to a 105mph top speed. The 300D was also quickly distinguishable by the lack of an external pillar between the doors and removable rear quarter light windows, while the stylish 300d Cabriolet was destined to be Mercedes-Benz's last four door production convertible. In its day, the 300d, luxurious and with a high standard specification, was, at £5,221, one of the most expensive and prestigious cars available. Production ended in 1962. Finished in dark blue with beige leather interior trim, this interesting 300d was delivered new in 1960 to Manila in the Phillipines. Five years later it was presented as a gift to President Marcos, the car either before or soon after having been professionally converted into a cabriolet, and it may well have subsequently seen use on state occasions. Restored in 1999, this very stylish Mercedes-Benz is offered in good to excellent condition. De couleur bleu foncé avec un intérieur en cuir beige, cette 300d fut livrée neuve Manilla, Phillipes en 1960. Cinq ans plus tard elle fut presentée comme cadeau au President Marcos et convertit en cabriolet. Restaurée en 1999, cette Mercedes Benz est dans des conditions exceptionelles.