Two W189 Mercedes-Benz 300 ‘Adenauer’ saloons have emerged from the same outbuilding on a large prop

Two W189 Mercedes-Benz 300 ‘Adenauer’ saloons have emerged from the same outbuilding on a large property in Essex, where they have been in single ownership since 1967. The pair, one a 1955 300B and one a 1958 300D, are both right-hand drive, making them very unusual.

Chance to play Chancellor

The Mercedes-Benz 300 (or W189) served as the company’s uppermost saloon model from 1951 to 1962, approximately equivalent to the modern-day S-Class but with a crossover to formal or official chauffeur-driven roles. The nickname ‘Adenauer’ came from Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of West Germany, who employed six custom versions during his time in office. The 300A, B and C shared the same sloping-tail bodywork before the 300D took over in 1957 with a longer wheelbase and more pronounced rear wings. All used versions of the 2996cc straight six deployed in highly tuned form in the 300SL ‘Gullwing’ coupé and roadster. ‘I’d known of the cars for about 20 years,’ says Scott Day, who finally acquired them before Christmas and is now offering them for sale. ‘The gentleman’s property is on my road, and I tried to buy them about five years ago. But he still loved them and hoped to get them going again. Last year though, he contacted me and said I could buy them if the price was fair. He’s in his nineties and was keen to get the cars moved on without any hassle, so we came to an agreement.’

Scott found the older car, the red 300B, to be in near-roadworthy condition. With fresh fuel, plugs and battery, it fired up and runs well, with the hydraulic systems working too. It’s in good cosmetic condition inside and out. The grey 300D Automatic has some rust and will need a more thorough restoration. Steve hasn’t attempted to start it. Interested parties can contact the magazine.

300B now running, but will no doubt need a thorough going-over. The younger car, the 300D, is a far more challenging prospect