The Mercedes-Benz 300 series, a brainchild of Hermann Ahrens’ design expertise, holds a distinguished place in automotive history. These models were not merely cars; they represented Mercedes-Benz’s resurgence and commitment to innovation after the devastation of World War II. As the first completely new vehicles produced by the company in the post-war era, the 300 series, particularly the stately four-door variant, quickly earned the moniker “Adenauer,” a nod to the six custom examples favored by German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer. This nickname itself speaks volumes about the car’s imposing presence and prestigious aura.
Among the early 300 models, the four-door convertible Cabriolet D stands out as an epitome of rarity and exquisite engineering. Drawing parallels in construction quality to the pre-war legends like the 500 K and 540 K, the Cabriolet D was a masterpiece of automotive artistry. It boasted a meticulously engineered cabriolet top with landau bar assistance, a lavish, leather-clad interior spacious enough to comfortably accommodate six occupants, and gleaming trim crafted from chrome-plated solid brass and rich hardwoods. This was luxury redefined for a new era.
The particular Cabriolet D we are highlighting boasts exceptional provenance, documented by a copy of its original build sheet. Production was completed on December 31, 1952, specifically for the discerning US market. It was finished in a special-order, sophisticated Dark Green (DB 221) exterior, harmoniously paired with a refined grey-green (1061) leather interior. Adding to its exclusivity, original options included the incredibly rare Becker Nürburg III six-band radio. This wasn’t just any radio; it featured shortwave presets for major cities across the globe – a feature so extraordinary that even the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center was reportedly unaware of its installation in a production vehicle until a previous owner presented the evidence.
This remarkable Cabriolet D began its journey in 1953 when it was sold new to Franklin Ely of Buffalo, New York. Mr. Ely cherished the vehicle, using it primarily for special occasions. By 1969, with only 66,000 miles accrued, it was placed into storage in Ithaca, New York, effectively becoming a time capsule of automotive excellence.
In 1999, this “sleeping beauty” was bequeathed to the original owner’s nephew. Recognizing its inherent value and potential, the nephew entrusted Warren Riter & Sons in Penfield, New York, with the task of undertaking a comprehensive, concours-grade restoration. The aim was to return the car to its original, factory-fresh specifications. Driven by an unwavering commitment to authenticity, the owner embarked on extensive travels throughout Europe, meticulously sourcing New Old Stock (NOS) parts. His dedication even led him to visit the original convertible top manufacturer in Germany to ensure an impeccable color match for the replacement fabric.
Tragically, towards the culmination of this ambitious restoration project, the owner passed away. In 2004, the meticulously revived Cabriolet D was acquired by Tom Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton was not just a buyer; he was a respected figure in the Mercedes-Benz community, a past president of the 190 SL Club, a renowned marque expert, and a published author. His profound knowledge and discerning eye enabled him to finalize, fine-tune, and subsequently showcase this exquisitely restored, 100-point 300 D at prestigious concours events across the nation, garnering significant acclaim.
The Cabriolet D’s notable appearances include the esteemed Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in 2012, where it achieved the coveted Best in Class award. It repeated this success at the Amelia Island Concours in 2013, once again earning award recognition. In 2015, Mr. Hamilton sold this exceptional vehicle to a Mercedes-Benz dealer. Since then, it has remained a treasured, though sparingly driven, centerpiece within their distinguished collection of post-war Mercedes-Benz automobiles.
This 1969 Mercedes-benz 300 D Cabriolet D (while technically a product of the early 1950s, its legacy and desirability extended well into the 1960s and beyond) is undeniably among the most pristine and historically significant examples of its kind in existence. It represents not just a car, but a piece of automotive history, demanding a position of prominence within any discerning Mercedes-Benz collector’s stable. It is a testament to enduring design, meticulous craftsmanship, and the timeless allure of classic Mercedes-Benz luxury.
