Beschreibung:

Daimler-Benz AG emerged from World War II in precarious health, with plants that were largely rubble. Until 1951, the only Mercedes passenger cars were continuations of the prewar 170V, a modest middle-class car that had been the best-seller in the 1930s. The company did not return to the luxury market until 1951, when the Mercedes 300 was introduced at the first postwar Frankfurt Motor Show. Built on a 120-inch wheelbase, the 300 was powered by a 2,996cc ohc six, and available as a sedan or four-door convertible. The 300 quickly became the state limousine of the Federal Republic of Germany, particularly favored by Chancellor Konrad Adenauer during his administration, which lasted until 1963. These cars are known as “Adenauer Mercedes” to this day. The fourth iteration of the Adenauer Mercedes, the 300d, chassis code W189, was introduced in August 1957. The sedan had become a pillarless design, and a longer wheelbase added comfort and prestige. The convertible model, formally designated “Cabriolet D,” was constructed only to special order, with 65 built in five years, just 22 of them in 1960. Delivered new to Melvin B. Troy of Sands Point, New York, on 14th April 1960, this Cabriolet D was ordered to U.S. specification. Painted green, with tan leather interior, it was fitted with automatic transmission, Goodyear whitewall tires and a Becker Mexico AM-FM signal seeking radio with automatic antenna. During the 1980s, it was owned by J.A. May of San Diego, California, and later joined the Hayashi Collection in Japan. It was then purchased by Formula One impresario Bernie Ecclestone. The current owner acquired it in 2007, at the dispersal of Mr. Ecclestone’s collection of road cars. While in the Ecclestone collection, the car was prepared to contest the 2007 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. The drive train was completely rebuilt and upgraded for the task. Modifications entailed increasing the ground clearance, strengthening the exhaust system, and fitting skid plates and towing hooks. Six-ply all-terrain tires were also fitted. The engine was completely rebuilt, and the electrical system rewired using Mercedes-Benz components. Driving lights and halogen headlamps were fitted for night rallying, three-point harnesses were installed for driver and passenger safety. The Becker radio was replaced with a modern stereo. The rear seats were replaced with a lockable strongbox, and a concealed safe for important documents was installed under the car. In the trunk, an auxiliary fuel tank was installed and two spares were included. The car’s driving range is now in excess of 300 miles. The paint and interior, believed to be mostly original, were left alone. More recently, in 2008, the convertible top and headliner were replaced, to the highest standards. The components removed from the car were retained, and accompany the car. At the last minute, the car’s entry in the Challenge was withdrawn when the driver decided not to participate. It was subsequently entered in the 2008 New York to Paris rally, which was canceled by the organizers. In May 2008, it participated in the Thuderbolt Rally in Millville, New Jersey, and is scheduled for the Penn-York Rally in Tyler, Pennsylvania, in May 2009. The car is offered with its original owner’s wallet and associated parts. It is registered in New York, and has a clear and assignable New York title. It is ready for historic rallying, show competition or long-distance touring, as a new owner may wish.