Lot details
Registration No: XFF 888
Chassis No: 1860113501882
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

Synonymous with (and nicknamed after) Konrad Adenauer - the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany - who ran no less than six during his tenure, the Mercedes-Benz Type 300 (or W186) was launched at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show. Derived from pre-WW2 practice, its cruciform-braced ovoid tubular chassis frame was nonetheless equipped with all-round independent suspension, hydraulic drum brakes, worm and sector steering (later replaced by a recirculating ball set-up) and an innovative rear load-levelling control. All new, the model's 2996cc SOHC straight-six engine featured such niceties as a hardened crankshaft, alloy cylinder head, deep water jackets, thermostatically controlled oil cooling, twin Solex carburettors and copper-lead bearings. Designed to withstand the rigours of high-speed autobahn cruising, it was allied to a four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission. Able to accommodate up to six people, the Type 300 was available in Saloon or Cabriolet guises. Elegant, powerful, exclusive and expensive, the big Mercedes-Benz was targeted at plutocrats and politicians (though, more than a few found favour in Hollywood too). To this end, it could be had with options including a Becker radio, VHF radio telephone and dictation machine. A credible rival to the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud / Bentley S1 pairing, the vast majority of the 6,214 Type 300 Saloons made were to left-hand drive specification.

This rare, right-hand drive Mercedes-Benz 300 is said to have been upgraded for use on historic rallies by its previous keeper - a former Mercedes-Benz Club (UK) chairman. Aside from prominent spotlights, other signs of its past usage include a floorshift gearchange conversion, electronic ignition, and stainless steel exhaust / petrol tank. Though there is no paperwork to support the claim, the vendor bought the car on the understanding that its engine had been uprated with a Gullwing camshaft and pistons. Reportedly a strong performer, 'XFF 888' is variously rated by the seller as being in "good" (bodywork, engine, gearbox), "original" (interior trim) or "fair" (paintwork) condition. It is being sold complete with expired FIVA rally passport and a new MOT. The Benz currently displays an unwarranted 18,215 miles.