1959 Mercedes-Benz 300 W189 Adenauer

This matching-numbers 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300D ‘Adenauer’ is mechanically strong and presents beautifully in its stately original condition. Highly advanced for its era, the 300D is powered by a 180hp fuel-injected 3.0-litre inline-six mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer indicates 14,379 miles, though this is not warranted. Mercedes’ 300D was the flagship luxury tourer of its day, and was built with meticulous attention to detail. These W189-generation models are colloquially known as the ‘Adenauer’ after the first chancellor of West Germany, Konrad Adenauer, who employed six such vehicles in official state use. This particular car was built in 1959 and first registered in 1960. It has been in the current owner’s care for the past six years. The car has suffered no major bodywork damage in its 60 years of service, and all of the panels and trims line up well, with even gaps. There is just a crack in the front windshield to note. The black paintwork is believed to be mostly original, but some areas have been repainted to rectify imperfections in the finish. It presents some stone chipping and minor blemishes, but overall is in excellent condition for its age. In a time when so many vintage cars are ‘over-restored’, it is refreshing to see the Mercedes’ interior in such well-preserved and original condition. The cabin is understood to retain the deep red factory upholstery, and thanks to class-leading craftsmanship and considerate previous ownership, it wears its decades of use with grace. The leather, wood and other materials present with some patina commensurate with the car’s age, and the roof lining shows some discoloration, but overall the interior is in good condition. All of the controls, gauges, and electrics currently work as they should. The car was last serviced in February 2020 by Prostar Motors. At the time, a full service and inspection was carried out including a general tune-up and fresh fluids. Previous services were carried out in 2010 and 2011 and the fuel system has also been reconditioned during the current ownership. A roadworthiness inspection was carried out in 2010 and the car passed with no warnings or advisories. Its tyres are stated as being old, but in good condition. The car will be sold with its original service record, owner’s manuals and tool kit. In its day, this Mercedes-Benz 300D ‘Adenauer’ represented the height of luxury and technological development, produced with the highest level of expertise and attention to detail. Today, more than 60 years after rolling out of the factory doors, the car carries itself with the same level of sophistication and style, thanks to outstanding craftsmanship, and a lifetime of conscientious care to date. Retaining its numbers-matching engine, and being mechanically sound and largely original, it will appeal to any connoisseur of classic motor cars with a preference for patina, and will make a fabulously opulent cruiser. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.