Registration - HIW 836

Chassis No. - 300D8500158

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 89,000

Few ‘60s motorcars impressed like the ‘Adenauer’ and, finished in silver over Glazing Maroon, ‘HIW 836’ is an especially imposing example of the stately breed. Delivered new to the USA in 1960, its first keeper was a lawyer in Tampa, Florida, and it was there that the Mercedes remained until 1989, at which point it crossed the Atlantic to these shores. It was apparently treated to a degree of restoration in the early ‘90s before forming part of a private collection and then being acquired by the vendor five years ago. The elegant paintwork appears to have stood the test of time well and is perfectly complemented by the luxurious maroon-piped Sahne (cream) leather interior, maroon carpet and extensive areas of highly-polished chrome trim. Key features of the model are the body’s complete absence of B pillars, and the ability to lower all side windows aft of the front quarterlights and thereby achieve a panoramic view of the world beyond. The big Benz rides on white-walled tyres, the effect of which is heightened by stainless steel wheel trims, which are partially colour matched to the body. In relatively recent times such items as the wheel hubs, brake cylinders and pads, boot and door locks, door handles, oil and air filters, spark plugs, points, hoses and wiper motor have been replaced with original parts from Karasch & Co, GmbH near Essen, while a new stainless steel exhaust system was installed just two years ago. The accompanying array of MOTs evidently supports the idea that the relatively modest indicated mileage of 88,335 is correct. This matching numbers Mercedes is now being offered complete with its original factory-fitted AM/FM Becker radio (though this is not currently operational), original owner’s handbook, plus a history file that includes correspondence between the first keeper and his local Mercedes-Benz dealer. A rare opportunity.

Just 3,077 examples of the 300D saloon were produced between 1957-1962. Favoured by statesmen and business leaders it was certainly the preferred mode of transport for the Federal Republic of Germany’s first Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, who had no less than six examples of the model, which caused it to be unofficially named after him.

In summary:

• A stunning example of one of the finest models of its era
• An apparently modest total mileage of 88,335
• Equipped with automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, central lubrication system, Arctic-Kar air conditioning and Becker radio