Even though it’s hot right now, technically it’s “convertible weather.” Once fall hits, driving a convertible will be even more pleasant. There will be more of them out on the road, but you won’t see many four-door drop-tops. The likelihood of seeing one like our Pick of the Day, a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D “Adenauer”, is even lower. You can find it listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in St. Louis.
At the first Frankfurt International Motor Show in April 1951, Mercedes introduced the 300 model, which the automaker today calls “the biggest and fastest serial car of German production of its time” and “the true successor of the ‘Grand Mercedes’ of the pre-war era.” It made a strong and lasting impression on the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Konrad Adenauer, who would only be chauffeured in a Mercedes-Benz 300, even when he was in another country. More than 70 years later, the 300 is colloquially known as the “Adenauer.”
Mercedes only built 455 Cabriolet Ds between March 1952 and April 1954; subsequent versions were identified as the 300 b, 300 c, and 300 d Cabriolet D. This particular first-series Cabriolet D received “a complete nut-and-bolt restoration some years back.” As part of the overhaul, the stately body was finished in Pearl Green, which is all the more noticeable thanks to a generous amount of bright trim. The wheels are fitted with body-color covers and wide-whitewall bias-ply tires. A Dark Green Haartz cloth top with external hinges covers both rows of passengers.
Just like the exterior, the cabin features colors that complement each other well—the seats have been reupholstered in tan leather with dark green piping. Glossy burl wood trim covers the top of the dashboard and extends up the A-pillars and across the top of the door panels.
Despite the substantial updates surrounding it, the original Becker-Nürburg radio has been retained; the same goes for the Karl Baisch luggage between the two spare tires in the trunk. Other artifacts include the original owner’s and service manuals.
This W186’s restoration extended underneath the hood to the dual-carbureted SOHC 3.0-liter straight-six. Factory-rated at 115 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque, it transfers its output through a column-mounted four-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels.
If you want to enjoy the pleasures of top-down driving along with other convertible drivers but not blend in with them, check out this 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabriolet D. The selling dealer’s listing instructs you to contact them for the price, though the website shows a price of $295,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com