The 300 series, designed by Hermann Ahrens, marked a very important line of vehicles for Mercedes-Benz, as they were the first all-new models produced by the company after the end of World War II.

The four-door version of this imposing, powerful car was quickly nicknamed “Adenauer” because six custom examples were used by German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

Most rare of the early 300s are the four-door convertible Cabriolet D models, which featured construction on par with the legendary pre-war 500 K and 540 Ks, including a beautifully engineered, landau bar-assisted cabriolet top; a sumptuous, leather-swathed interior that could easily carry six persons; and trim of chrome-plated solid brass and beautiful hardwoods.

The car offered here is documented by a copy of its original build sheet as having been produced on 31 December 1952 for the US market and finished in the special-order color combination of Dark Green (DB 221) with a matching grey-green (1061) leather interior.

Original...