• One of only 181 Mercedes-Benz 300a Cabriolet D models built in 1953 • Professionally restored between 2003 and 2010 (photographic record available) • Present ownership since 2010 • Registered in Luxembourg One of Mercedes-Benz's first all-new designs of the post-war era, the 300 saloon debuted in 1951 and would succeed in re-establishing the Stuttgart firm in the front rank of prestige motor manufacturers, marking as it did a return to the marque's tradition of building high-performance luxury automobiles of the finest quality.

Technologically advanced, the 300 featured independent suspension all round, four-wheel drum brakes, hypoid bevel final drive, dynamically balanced wheels, and remote electrical control of the rear suspension ride height.

Initially developing 115bhp, the 3.0-litre, overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine was also used in the 300 SL sports car.

The cylinder head was made of aluminium and crankshaft of forged steel.

A special oil cooler was fitted and, when t...