1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 c Cabriolet D

Chassis No. 186.033.6500362
Engine No. 186.920.6500052

The Mercedes-Benz W186 Model 300, produced between 1951 and 1957, epitomized luxury and sophistication as the flagship sedan of its time. Succeeding the World War II era 770s, the "Type 300," rivaled prestigious counterparts like the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Bentley S1. Costing more than their British counterparts, the Cabriolet D models were positioned at the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz model range; they were approximately twice the price of the illustrious 300 SL Gullwing Coupe when new. Boasting exceptional performance, it attracted statesmen and business leaders with luxurious options, including a glass partition, VHF mobile telephone, and a dictation machine. Notably, it earned the moniker "Adenauer" after Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of West Germany, who favored custom versions throughout his tenure.

Technologically advanced and celebrated as a "driver's" car, the W186 shared innovations and mechanical components with the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. Its sleek modernist design, available in both saloon and cabriolet variants, was complemented by a potent 3.0-liter overhead cam inline-six engine, delivering 115 horsepower upon its initially launch through a four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox or later in production, it became the first car in Germany to be offered with an automatic transmission as standard.

Completing production on 21 June 1956, the accompanying service book shows that this 300 c Cabriolet D was delivered new to Dobie & Co. of Nairobi, Kenya on 21 June 1956. A well-optioned car, it was ordered new with a Becker Le Mans radio, automatic radio antenna, fanfare horns, fog lights, and power steering. With registration “226 Z4108” listed in the original Service Book, it is believed that the car was documented with its temporary German customs plates typically issued to customers collecting their car from the factory. As noted by a handwritten note, it is believed that the car was “sold to Greece in 1960,” with the service book noting the car was sold by A.A. Monnas of Athens, Greece. From there, the service book shows regular servicing through 1965. The car next went on to the United Kingdom, as it was imported to Germany in September 1982, where it was road-registered by Werner Claas in 1984. The car remained in Werner's care for 22 years until it was sold to Dr. Helge Winkler in 2006. Another long-term owner, the car, was next sold 15 years later in late 2020 when it was acquired by the current owner.

As presented today, this remarkably well-preserved example shines from the wonderful care provided to it by enthusiastic owners since new. Paired with a splendid color combination retaining sections of its original leather and the rarely seen special order four-speed manual transmission with power steering, this 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 c Cabriolet D is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire the top-of-the-line luxury offered by Mercedes-Benz when new.