Mercedes Limo 300d 1958????

I have in inherited a (what I have been told is a) Mercedes Limo 300d 1958. It is in the middle of being restored and all of the original parts are there.

However, I cannot find any information on it. If anyone has any information or might have a suggestion on where I can find any information, please e-mail me.

Thank you in advance!!

lauriedmorgan@aol.com

[barndoor]

It sounds like you have what is referred to as an
"Adenauer"
you can learn more here:
http://www.adenauer300.com

Laurie, your 300d"limo" is also called the "Adenauer" model. This reference is from the fact that Conrad Adenauer was, I believe, a high level diplomat who was always traveling in his 300 limo. The press always showed him with said vehicle. Hence the reference.

The letter designation represents the model changes of these totally COOL "large" Mercedes Benz sedans. Ie:A, B, C, and last D. Each reference was because of the running changes to the model. The final vehicle was, I think 1962 or 1961. The "D". This car had a different roofline etc. Over the years MB changes the headlight assys, taillights, wing windows, interior trim, etc.

There are a few websights that have information on these. Also, please be aware of the MUCH MORE RARE AND "EXPENSIVE" coupes and convertibles of these MAGNIFICENT vehicles. The engines are all derived from the 300sl and GULLWING series....always straight 6 cylinders........somewhat underpowered for such a heavy beast. Beautiful lines!

You must be an extremely lucky person to have inherited one of these COOL cars! Do a little homework and you SHALL be plesantly surprised..........I hope so..............IF your car needs much work, or has many parts damaged and or broken, then you will have entered the realm of "bad luck" ie:$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.


I have always LOVED the final design of the D series. Someday, I will own a nice one. The sedan typically is worth around $35,000 in NICE shape..........The other models can go as high as 3or4HUNDRED thousand dollars for the convertible 4 door sedans known as the parade vehicle phaetons...

WOW....you are in for a treat!

Good luck, and best wishes always,
spo out.



P.S.> show us all a photo somewhere down the line and welcome to the forum!

[wbain5280]

Check out this page as well. he did a lot of work on his 300.

http://www.whereitsat.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/MB300/IndexMB300.htm


I recently visited a used book store close to my home and found a 300c spare parts table which I picked up for a song.

[cbdo]

FWIW--Konrad Adenauer was the first postwar Chancellor of West Germany, and held the post until 1963. Growing up in the 1950's, I remember him as one of the key leaders of the cold war, and he was certainly one of the key figures in Germany's reconstruction.

[Mark V]

Copied from Last Friday's K-W Record since most people here won't be able to view the article at their site.
(they have a policy where you can only view articles if you subscribe, bit of catch 22 logic there)

Touring celebrities chose the Mercedes-Benz 300S

BILL VANCE

The Mercedes-Benz 300S (this one from 1953) was a sportier, luxury version of the company's 300 model.

(Feb 28, 2003)

By the end of the Second World War, the automobile plants of Germany's Daimler-Benz (now DaimlerChrysler) were so badly damaged by bombs that the board of directors despairingly concluded in 1945 that the company had "ceased to exist."

In spite of this assessment, workers soon began returning to the factories near Stuttgart, where they started removing rubble and restoring machinery. The plants were used to repair American army trucks, and before long the company was able to begin reconditioning prewar models of the Mercedes-Benz 170V.

In 1946 Daimler-Benz was given permission by the Allies to resume building new 170Vs, and later, 170Ds (diesel) as well. By the end of 1947, almost 1,000 had been produced, many of them configured as light trucks. They were based on prewar designs, but work was underway on the design of new models.

The result of this work was the 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 2.2 litre, and the 300 three-litre sedan, both sixes. The 220 was a mid-market car, while the 300 was a large, body-on-frame sedan that immediately established itself in the top class of European luxury cars.

It was introduced at the Frankfurt auto show in April 1951 and was the biggest, fastest German car. The 300 would become such a favourite of German chancellor Konrad Adenaur that it was dubbed the "Adenauerwagen."

While the 300 was a large car by European standards, its 4,877-millimetre (192-inch) overall length and 3,048-mm (120-inch) wheelbase were fairly modest compared with American cars.

For example, the 1951 Cadillac 61, Cadillac's smallest model, was 5,385 mm (212 inches) long, and had a 3,099-mm (122-inch) wheelbase. In fact, the 300 was about the same size as a Chevrolet.

The 300, however, had some technical features that were more advanced than those in American cars. It had four-wheel independent, coil spring suspension, with swing axles at the rear.

In addition, there was an auxiliary, electrically operated torsion bar system that raised the rear of the car to keep it level as passengers and luggage were added.

The 300's 3.0-litre (182.2-cubic-inch) inline six-cylinder engine was fitted with a chain-driven, single overhead camshaft and twin carburetors. It developed 115 horsepower, considerably less than the 160 of Cadillac's 5.4-litre (331-cubic-inch) V-8, although its specific output of 0.63 horsepower per cubic inch was higher than the Cadillac's 0.48. Power went to the rear wheels through a four-speed, all-synchromesh, column-shifted manual transmission.

With only 115 horsepower to move 1,792 kilograms (3,950 lb.), the 300's performance was moderate.

Road & Track (April 1953) recorded a zero to 96 km/h (60 m.p.h.) time of 16.1 seconds, and a top speed of 158 km/h. The 300's rival from Jaguar, the Mark VII sedan, had a twin overhead cam 3.4-litre (210-cubic-inch), 160 horsepower six, and weighed the same as the 300. It would scoot to 96 km/h in 12.6 seconds and reach 167 km/h (Road & Track October 1952). And the Jaguar, at just over $4,000, was almost $3,000 cheaper.

While the 300 sedan had been under development, Daimler-Benz had also been working on a sportier and more glamorous version, the 300S.

It was introduced at the Paris auto show in October 1951, six months after the 300. It came as a coupe, convertible or roadster, with accommodation in front for two, or occasionally three passengers. There was also a small emergency rear seat.

The 300S was 356 mm (14 inches) shorter than the 300, and was mounted on a shorter, 2,911-mm (114.6-inch) wheelbase for crisper handling. Weight was reduced by about 200 kg (450 pounds). The 300's engine was upgraded for the 300S with three carburetors, higher compression, and other modifications, bringing horsepower to 150. These contributed to raising the top speed to 177 km/h and reducing the zero-to-96-km/h time to under 15 seconds.

Inside, the 300S was sumptuous, with leather seats, cut-pile wool carpets trimmed in leather, and rosewood or burled walnut adornments. Fitted leather luggage was also available for the lucky couple wishing to whiz down to Nice for a long weekend, or zip over to Las Vegas for a flutter at the tables.

The body was beautifully finished in lacquer, and laboriously sanded and polished by hand.

The 300S received mechanical upgrades along the way. In 1954, the brakes were improved by fitting finned aluminum drums with vacuum assist.

Then for 1955 it received fuel injection, which raised horsepower to 175. This brought top speed to 185 km/h, and lowered the zero to 96 km/h to 13 seconds. Also introduced were dry sump lubrication and a clever low-pivot swing axle rear suspension that required only one universal joint rather than two.

The 300S was a superb luxury car for touring in the grand manner. At over $12,000, it was also the most expensive car sold in North America.

Over its seven-year run, from 1952 to 1958, only 760 were built, compared with over 11,000 of the more sedate 300. This set its owner apart as someone of wealth and taste. Such celebrities as Clark Gable, Gary Cooper and Bing Crosby bought 300Ss.

Although overshadowed by the arrival of the magnificent 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL gullwing coupe, the 300S was a true gentleman of distinction that retained its pride of place in the Mercedes lineup. It is now a rare and expensive collectible.

Reflections on Automotive History by Bill Vance, Volumes I, II & III, available from book stores, or Eramosa Valley Publishing, Box 370, Rockwood, ON, N0B 2K0. Soft cover $19.95 ($26.50 with tax & shipping); hard cover $29.95 ($37.50). Please specify volume(s).

Wonderful information!

Thank you!!

Great link!
Thank you very much!

Thanks for the information.

Spo123,

Thanks so much for the information. I kind of feel as though this project might be a Pandora's box. The "Adenauer" is in the middle of restoration. The motor has been rebilt and the doors panels and seats have been recovered....but the rest is all in pieces. Although, I do have all the orginal parts. The body needs painting but there is not a single dent.

I do not think I can take on such an extensive project at this time.
What would you say the value of the car would be in the current shape? Or how would I proceed in finding out.

I will provide some pictures in the next week.

Laurie

Thanks for the link!